The Study of Loss and Grief
The Professional Program in the Study of
Loss and Grief is designed for professionals
in a variety of settings who work with people who have experienced loss and grief and would like to advance their learning in this specialized area of practice. The program includes a three-day introductory institute (18 hours), the course Clinical Case Seminar in Loss and Grief (10 hours), and a series of advanced workshops on such topics as children and families, spirituality, violence and healing, cross-cultural aspects of loss and grief, and somatics. All workshops are approved for ceu for LCSWs, MFTs, RNs, and psychologists (APA).
These workshops are not recommended for the newly bereaved.
Minimum requirements
To complete the professional program and earn a certificate of completion, you are required to take the Three Day Institute
Introduction to Loss and Grief Issues: Refreshing Old Skills, Learning New Skills (1.8 ceu; 18 hours) (offered spring term), and the
Clinical Case Seminar in Loss and Grief (1.2 ceu; 12 hours) (offered summer term), and two or more elective workshops listed below (offered throughout the year). The minimum number of hours to earn a certificate is 64 (6.4 ceu).
Required courses*
Electives (partial list)*
- Cross-Cultural Aspects of Loss and Grief (1.2 ceu) 12 hours (offered future term)
-
Grief Support: After a Sudden Death or Long-Term Illness
(1.2 ceu) 12 hours (offered future term)
- Loss and Grief with Children, Youth, and Families (1.2 ceu) 12 hours (offered future term)
-
Spiritual Approaches to Loss in Aging, Illness, and Death (1.2 ceu) 12 hours (offered future term)
-
Support Group Facilitation Skills for Mental Health Professionals (0.6 ceu) 6 hours
- Special Topics (tba)
*All courses subject to change
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fill out a formal application to either enter the program or receive a certificate on completion?
No. In order to begin the program, simply enroll in your first course and continue taking the courses each term until you have completed all four. When you have completed the program, please call (510) 643-3883 to request your certificate.
How does the Professional Program in the Study of Loss and Grief prepare professionals?
Workshops in this program provide an update in the field of grief counseling in a variety of settings. Courses are aimed at helping professionals stay current in the area of loss and grief, and to become better clinicians in their work with children and families.
What are the benefits of completing the program?
Participants will gain an understanding of current issues in the field of Loss and Grief Counseling and will be better able to make assessments, informed referrals, etc. Participants are also able to earn continuing education units, while focusing their course of study in this growing field of clinical work.
Who is eligible to take the courses in this program?
Although there are no specific degree or course requirements for this series of workshops, it is primarily intended for mental health clinicians who have a graduate degree in the field and are licensed nurses, psychologists, clinical social workers or marriage and family therapists. Other professionals such as rehabilitation counselors, physical and massage therapists, and counselors also typically take courses in this program.
How many courses will I need to take in order to earn a certificate of completion?
The minimum number of hours to earn a certificate of completion is 64 hours. There are two required workshops and two electives required to complete the program—four courses in total.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The program can be completed at your own pace. It will take a minimum of three semesters (one year) to complete the program; however, the courses can be taken over the course of several years. There is no deadline for completion of the courses in the program.
How much does it cost to complete the program?
The approximate cost of the program after each of the classes has been paid for is an average $2000. Because the course fees may increase from semester to semester, this is only an estimate.
Should the courses be taken in a particular order?
Although Electives can be taken in any order, we encourage starting with the three-day Institute "Introduction to Loss and Grief Issues: Refreshing Old Skills, Learning New Skills" before enrolling in the "Clinical Case Seminar in Loss and Grief."
Where are the courses held? On what days are the courses held?
Courses for this program are typically held in Berkeley and are held on Fridays and on the weekend (please check schedule each semester for exact time and location). The 3-day Institute is typically held Thursday through Saturday.
Once I obtain a certificate upon completion of the program, how will this affect my career and income?
This program allows clinicians to focus their learning in this specialized area of practice and list the completion of this certificate program from UC Berkeley Extension on their resume and in job applications. Participants in this program are able to earn 6.4 UC Berkeley Extension ceus (64 hours of continuing education credit) specializing their professional development work in the area of Loss and Grief Counseling. While it does not prepare clinicians to practice certified grief counseling, it does allow clinicians to focus their learning in this area of practice and can help determine the kinds of clients one sees in their practice, as well as the types of referrals they might give or receive. The value added to a clinician's career and/or income by participating in this series of courses depends on the skills and interests of the individual participant and the setting in which s/he works.
For further information, please call (510) 643-3883 or e-mail
.
