How Do You Train In Grief Counseling?
Everyone experiences loss in their life, whether it’s the death of a friend, parent, family member, spouse or even pet. Training social service workers and grief counselors to relate to those who have experienced a sudden loss, trauma, or death of a loved one is important to griever’s overall health and well-being in the weeks and months ahead so that they can get through the grieving process with help. Explain the role of the grief counselor as a companion. Companionship to a grieving person is like a friend who’s there to actively listen, respond and support them. Emphasize the fact that grief counseling in a companion role means that the counselor needs to allow the griever to express his or her emotions in a healthy way without judgment or criticism. Show and teach the grief counseling trainees the art of eye contact and facial expressions. Maintaining eye contact with someone who’s grieving is important; it shows that you care and you’re actively listening to what they’re saying.
