Top 10+ Grief Courses to Help You Navigate Through Loss

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Finding effective ways to cope with grief is essential for emotional well-being, and one powerful resource is grief courses, where experts offer valuable guidance and support.

In this article, we have carefully selected the best courses available to help you navigate through loss and grief. These courses have been chosen based on criteria, including expert review by Rick Hanson, a renowned figure in the field, and the credibility of the providers—experienced and trustworthy platforms known for delivering high-quality educational content.

Best Grief Courses in 2024: Handpicked by a Neuroscience Expert

Grief and Loss by Dr. Rick Hanson

Course Description

Dr. Rick Hanson’s 4-week course, for growing inner strengths for coping, healing, and growing, is designed to help you navigate the deep emotional waters of grief and loss. Through gentle, yet powerful practices, this course offers a path to soothe emotional pain, find meaning in your experiences, and heal at your own pace—without pressure or expectations from others.

The course is self-paced, allowing you to take your time with the material. It includes 6 hours of video teachings, downloadable handouts, and weekly email guidance to keep you on track. Dr. Hanson will guide you in understanding grief, holding your experiences with self-compassion, and building the inner strengths needed to move forward.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The self-paced format allows you to engage with the material at your own pace, making it easy to fit into your schedule.
• Dr. Rick Hanson is a respected psychologist known for his compassionate and insightful approach to emotional well-being.
• The course includes video teachings, guided practices, and downloadable handouts that you can revisit anytime.
• Therapists can earn 7 CE credits, adding professional value to the course.

Cons

• At $299, the course might be considered a significant investment for some.
• There aren’t always live Q&A’s for interaction.

About the Instructor

Dr. Rick Hanson is a psychologist, author, and expert in the field of emotional well-being and resilience. He’s known for blending neuroscience with practical wisdom, making complex ideas easy to understand and apply. His approach is warm and supportive, helping you navigate your grief with mindfulness and self-compassion. Dr. Hanson’s teachings are all about fostering inner strength, so you can not only cope with your losses but also grow from them.

Why It’s On The List

We absolutely love Dr. Rick Hanson’s course, “Grief and Loss,” because it blends science with genuine compassion, creating a truly powerful resource. Dr. Hanson’s expertise in neuroscience shines as he gently guides you through grief, offering practical tools to soothe emotional pain and find meaning. The 7 CE credits make this course even more valuable, especially for therapists. We appreciate how it allows you to heal at your own pace, with Dr. Hanson’s comforting presence making you feel supported every step of the way.

Course Structure/Content

• Understanding Grief: Dr. Hanson begins by helping you understand the natural process of grief and the importance of allowing yourself to feel it fully.
• Guided Meditations: Engage in guided practices designed to help you accept and process your loss with mindfulness and compassion.
• Emotional Healing: Learn practical techniques to soothe emotional pain and find a path forward that feels right for you.
• Finding Meaning: The course offers tools to help you reflect on your experiences, find perspective, and grow from your loss.
• Building Resilience: Dr. Hanson provides guidance on how to build inner strengths that will help you navigate future challenges with more confidence and peace.

What You’ll Learn

• Managing emotional pain with mindfulness and self-compassion.
• Developing inner strengths to cope with grief and loss.
• Practicing guided meditations for emotional healing and acceptance.
• Building resilience to face future challenges with more peace.
• Finding meaning and perspective in your experiences.
• Releasing painful thoughts and emotions through practical techniques.
• Cultivating kindness and self-care in times of loss.

Who This Course Is Best For

This course is ideal for anyone dealing with grief or loss, whether it’s recent or something that has lingered. It’s also a valuable resource for therapists and mental health professionals, offering CE credits and practical tools that can be applied in their practice.

Attendee Reviews

Users have found the course to be both comforting and deeply insightful. Dr. Hanson’s style is often praised for being both calming and empowering, with many participants noting how his teachings have helped them find peace and understanding in their grief.

One participant shared, “Your class has been transformative for me. I have struggled with multiple layers of grief for decades. Your class has and continues to help me ride the waves of emotions and deep grief.”

Grief and Loss by Dr. Diane Poole Heller

Course Description

This course, led by Dr. Diane Poole Heller, is designed to help counselors and therapists deepen their understanding of grief and loss. With 7 hours of video teachings, it explores key themes such as the initial shock of grief, the long-term effects of traumatic events like the Columbine Massacre, and the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities in their grieving process. Dr. Heller combines theoretical knowledge with practical strategies, providing a comprehensive framework to enhance your therapeutic skills in supporting clients through profound loss and trauma.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Taught by a highly respected expert in trauma and attachment theory
• Includes practical strategies alongside theoretical insights
• Offers 5.25 CE credits, making it valuable for professional development
• Lifetime access allows for learning at your own pace

Cons

• Some users might find the content emotionally heavy due to the focus on traumatic events
• The course may be more suitable for advanced practitioners with prior experience in trauma work

About the Instructor

Dr. Diane Poole Heller is a licensed therapist and an internationally recognized expert in attachment theory and trauma resolution. With over 25 years of experience, she has developed the DARe (Dynamic Attachment Repatterning experience) method, which is widely respected in the field. Dr. Heller’s work focuses on healing attachment wounds, making her an ideal instructor for this course on grief and loss. Her deep understanding of trauma, combined with her compassionate teaching style, ensures that participants will gain valuable insights and practical skills.

Why It’s On The List

We really value Dr. Diane Poole Heller’s course, “Grief and Loss,” for its trauma-informed approach and deep insights into grief. Dr. Heller’s expertise in attachment theory and trauma shines through as she guides therapists in supporting clients through the shock of grief and long-term trauma, using powerful examples like the Columbine tragedy. We also appreciate the focus on marginalized communities’ unique grieving challenges.

Course Structure/Content

The course is structured to provide a comprehensive exploration of grief and trauma, with the following key sections:

• Course Orientation: Introduction to course material and structure, including access information and support.
• Managing Shock Points and Providing Comfort: Explores initial reactions to grief, emotional support strategies, and legacy-building.
• Meeting Tragedy: Delves into the psychological impact of high-profile tragedies, trauma interventions, and survivor guilt.

What You’ll Learn

• Understanding the initial shock of grief and how to support clients through it.
• Using trauma-informed techniques to help clients cope with loss.
• Working with clients affected by tragic events like the Columbine Massacre.
• Supporting marginalized communities with their unique grieving needs.
• Helping clients build resilience and find meaning after loss.
• Practical tools for addressing survivor guilt and emotional pain.
• Strengthening your skills in grief and trauma therapy.

Who This Course Is Best For

This course is perfect for therapists and counselors who want to deepen their skills in working with clients experiencing grief and trauma. We think it’s especially useful if you’re working with clients who have faced significant losses, like those from long-term illnesses or tragic events. It’s also a great fit if you’re supporting marginalized communities that might face unique challenges in the grieving process.

Grateful Grief With Joe Primo & Sheryl Chard

Course Description

“Grateful Grief” is an on-demand, self-guided course that invites you to explore the healing power of gratitude in the midst of grief. Led by Joe Primo, CEO of Grateful Living, and Sheryl Chard, Director of Education, this course gently guides you through the journey of loss by integrating the practice of gratefulness into your daily life. With six 60-minute video sessions, you’ll learn how to hold both grief and gratitude simultaneously, allowing you to find meaning and purpose even in the face of profound loss. Special guest speakers, including renowned voices like Susan Cain and Francis Weller, contribute their unique insights, enriching your learning experience.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Combines grief support with the empowering practice of gratitude
• Includes insights from a diverse group of renowned guest speakers
• Flexible self-guided format with one-year access

Cons

• No formal accreditation or CE credits
• May not provide the depth of interaction some learners might prefer

About the Instructors

Joe Primo, CEO of Grateful Living, and Sheryl Chard, Director of Education, bring their extensive experience in grief and bereavement to this course. Joe has worked extensively with individuals and families navigating loss, using his deep understanding of the grieving process to support others. Sheryl, with her background in education, ensures the course is accessible and enriching for all participants. Together, they create a compassionate learning environment that encourages personal reflection and growth.

Why It’s On The List

We were deeply touched by “Grateful Grief” with Joe Primo and Sheryl Chard, which beautifully combines grief with the practice of gratitude. The course’s gentle approach helps you hold both emotions side by side, offering profound healing through its six self-paced video sessions. Featuring guest speakers like Susan Cain and Francis Weller, it provides meaningful insights on living with loss.

Course Structure/Content

The course is structured around six key video sessions, each designed to build upon the last:

• Session 1: Introduction to Grateful Living and its role in grief
• Session 2: Exploring the duality of grief and gratitude
• Session 3: Embracing the present while honoring the past
• Session 4: Guest insights on living with loss (featuring Susan Cain, Francis Weller, and others)
• Session 5: Practical exercises for integrating gratitude into daily life
• Session 6: Reflection and moving forward with a grateful heart

What You’ll Learn

• How to embrace both grief and gratitude without feeling conflicted.
• Finding peace and meaning in the midst of grief.
• Practical ways to integrate gratitude into your daily life.
• Insights from renowned experts on navigating loss.
• Reflecting on the past while staying present in your grief journey.
• Tools to carry sorrow and joy side by side.

Who This Course Is Best For

This course is ideal for anyone experiencing grief and seeking a way to navigate it with grace and gratitude. Whether you’re mourning the loss of a loved one, adjusting to a major life change, or simply looking for a way to integrate gratitude into your life during challenging times, this course is for you. It’s also a great resource for professionals like hospice chaplains, grief counselors, or anyone in a caregiving role who wants to offer a more holistic approach to support.

Attendee Reviews

Students appreciate the program for its practical, science-based approach to managing anxiety and depression and report feeling more in control of their emotions and experiencing a sense of peace after completing the seven-day course. 

One participant shared, “I’ve battled with depression, anxiety and insomnia since I was a teenager, I was prescribed so much medication with little results but many side-effects. If I had had the chance to find Catherine, her research, and her work I would have saved so much time and pain and found healing sooner.  I have now made my mental health my number one priority!”

Bearing the Unbearable With Dr. Joanne Cacciatore and Karla Helbert

Course Description

This course is designed to guide you through the challenging journey of grief with compassion and mindfulness. Over ten lessons, grief experts Dr. Joanne Cacciatore and Karla Helbert introduce you to the Selah grief model, helping you to fully embrace your grief and, in time, transform it into compassionate action. You’ll learn practical self-care techniques, meditation practices, and tools to support you in this process. This course offers a space to process your grief in a way that honors your experience and connects you with others on a similar path.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compassionate and experienced instructors
• Practical tools for self-care and healing
• Comprehensive grief model tailored for deep processing

Cons

• Some may find the content emotionally intense
• The course requires a willingness to engage deeply with grief

About the Instructor

Dr. Joanne Cacciatore is a renowned grief counselor and a bereaved mother herself, with extensive experience in helping others through traumatic loss. She brings a compassionate, mindfulness-based approach to grief that emphasizes being present with your pain. Karla Helbert, a licensed professional counselor and yoga therapist, adds a holistic perspective, integrating meditation and movement to support healing. Together, they offer a powerful combination of expertise and empathy, making this course a valuable resource for anyone seeking to process and transform their grief.

Why It’s On The List

We found “Bearing the Unbearable” by Dr. Joanne Cacciatore and Karla Helbert to be a deeply compassionate and mindful course for those dealing with grief. The Selah Grief Model helps you fully feel and process your grief, while offering ways to turn it into positive actions. The course includes helpful self-care techniques and meditation practices to support you through this tough time. With 7 CE credits for therapists, it’s both a helpful resource for professionals and a personal guide to healing.

Course Structure/Content

• Lesson 1: Understanding Grief – Learn what grief is and how to identify it in your life.
• Lesson 2: Being with Grief – Discover the importance of self-awareness in your grief journey.
• Lesson 3: Self-Care – Explore stress-relief techniques and compassionate self-care practices.
• Lesson 4: Surrendering to Grief – Understand how to turn toward your grief and embrace it fully.
• Lesson 5: Trusting Ourselves – Build courage to regrieve and find capacity within.
• Lesson 6: The Nature of Trauma – Learn about the body’s response to trauma and how to work with it.
• Lesson 7: Pausing to Be – Discover the potential for growth in your grief journey.
• Lesson 8: Doing with Grief – Transform your grief into meaningful actions for others.
• Lesson 9: The Meaning in Meaninglessness – Explore how grief can expand your capacity for compassion.
• Lesson 10: Creating Your Practice – Develop your personal grief practice for ongoing healing.

What You’ll Learn

• How to use the Selah Grief Model to mindfully process grief.
• Practical self-care techniques for emotional and physical well-being.
• Meditation and movement practices to stay present with your grief.
• Understanding the cognitive, social, and physical effects of grief.
• How to transform grief into compassionate action for yourself and others.

Who This Course Is Best For

This course is ideal for anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one and seeks a compassionate, mindful approach to processing their grief. It’s also suited for therapists and counselors who want to deepen their understanding of grief and support others in their grief journey. Whether you’re grieving a recent loss or one from years ago, this course provides tools and practices to help you navigate this difficult time with compassion and resilience

Grieving With Wisdom With Satpal Singh

Course Description

This course offers a compassionate and insightful approach to dealing with grief. Over 20 hours of material, you’ll explore different perspectives on death and learn how to manage the pain of loss. The course is designed to guide you through understanding the pain, living with death, finding acceptance, and moving forward. Each module is prerecorded, allowing you to access the content anytime, anywhere, and complete it at your own pace.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Completely free of charge, making it accessible to everyone.
• Offers practical wisdom that is easy to follow and apply.
• Flexible, self-paced learning with lifelong access to the material.
• Led by a world-renowned spiritual instructor with decades of experience.

Cons

• No formal accreditation or CE credits for professionals.
• The course is delivered in English only, which may not be suitable for non-English speakers.

About the Instructor

Satpal Singh is a world-renowned spiritual speaker and the founder of ‘Nanak Naam,’ a non-profit YouTube channel dedicated to teaching ancient spiritual wisdom. With over 20 million views online, Satpal has spent two decades delivering lectures and leading meditation seminars around the world. Raised in India and now residing in London, UK, Satpal blends his deep understanding of spiritual teachings with practical techniques that resonate with people from all walks of life. His ability to make complex ideas simple and relatable makes him an ideal guide for this course on grief.

Why It’s On The List

We really appreciated “Grieving With Wisdom” by Satpal Singh for its simple and compassionate approach to grief. Satpal’s wisdom and calm teaching style make the journey feel comforting and supportive. While it doesn’t offer formal accreditation, the flexible, self-paced lessons are valuable for anyone looking for personal growth or wanting to learn how to cope with grief in a meaningful way.

Course Structure/Content

• Understanding The Pain: Learn to recognize and understand the emotional and physical pain that comes with grief.
• Learning To Live With Death: Discover how to live alongside grief and make sense of loss.
• Acceptance & Healing: Explore ways to find acceptance and begin the healing process.
• Moving Forward: Gain tools and insights to help you move forward with love and peace in your heart.

What You’ll Learn

• How to understand and manage the emotional and physical pain of grief.
• Techniques for living with the reality of death and loss.
• Finding acceptance and beginning the healing process.
• Tools to help you move forward with peace and love in your heart.

Who This Course Is Best For

This course is perfect for anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one or anyone who wants to learn more about grief and how to support others. It’s suitable for individuals from all backgrounds and beliefs, as it provides universal insights into healing from grief. Whether you’re a professional looking to expand your knowledge or someone seeking personal growth, this course offers valuable lessons for everyone.

Advanced Grief Counseling Certification Training Course

Course Description

This “Advanced Grief Counseling Certification Training” is designed to help you transform the way you treat grieving clients. It provides evidence-based strategies to address complex grief symptoms, trauma, and post-traumatic growth. You will learn practical, real-life techniques for suicide assessment and prevention, helping your clients reclaim their lives and find hope after loss. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped with advanced clinical skills and step-by-step interventions that can make a real difference in your clients’ well-being.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comprehensive training with evidence-based strategies.
• Free CAGCS certification for 2 years, adding professional value.
• Covers a wide range of topics, including suicide assessment and post-traumatic growth.

Cons

• High upfront cost, though significant savings from the original price.
• No live interaction or personalized feedback.

About the Instructor

Rev. Dr. Joy R. Samuels is a highly respected counselor with deep expertise in grief treatment. She brings a wealth of knowledge to this course, making her an ideal guide for anyone looking to enhance their grief counseling skills. Rita A. Schulte, LPC, is known for her compassionate approach to trauma and post-traumatic growth, helping clients find meaning after loss. Paul Brasler, MA, MSW, LCSW, is an expert in suicide assessment and intervention, offering practical techniques to help the most vulnerable clients. Together, they provide a well-rounded and powerful learning experience.

Why It’s On The List

We found this course to be a comprehensive and valuable resource for mental health professionals looking to enhance their skills in grief counseling. With 21 CE hours and a free Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist (CAGCS) certification, this course equips you with practical, evidence-based strategies to handle complex grief, trauma, and even suicide prevention. Taught by experienced instructors like Rev. Dr. Joy R. Samuels, Rita A. Schulte, and Paul Brasler, it covers a wide range of topics to help you make a real impact in your clients’ lives.

Course Structure/Content

• Grief Treatment Certification Course: Learn evidence-based strategies for treating different types of grief.
• Post-Traumatic Growth for Loss, Grief, and Trauma: Guide clients through their grief and help them reinvest in life.
• Suicide Assessment and Intervention: Gain essential skills for assessing and intervening in suicidal behaviors.

What You’ll Learn

• Evidence-based strategies to address complex grief and trauma.
• Practical tools for suicide assessment and prevention in grief counseling.
• Step-by-step interventions to help clients make meaning after loss and foster post-traumatic growth.
• Techniques to manage complicated grief symptoms and maladaptive behaviors.
• How to guide clients toward reclaiming their lives and finding hope after loss.

Who This Course Is Best For

This course is perfect for mental health professionals, counselors, and therapists who want to deepen their skills in grief counseling. It’s especially useful for those dealing with clients facing complicated grief, trauma, and suicidal ideations. If you’re looking to gain advanced clinical skills and earn a valuable certification, this course is for you.

The Grief Process By Stephen Levine and Ondrea Levine

Course Description

“The Grief Process” is an in-depth audio workshop designed to help you deal with loss through meditation. Guided by Stephen and Ondrea Levine, experts in conscious living and dying, this course offers practical exercises to help you keep your heart open even after experiencing physical and emotional loss. You’ll learn techniques that are based on awareness training, including a special forgiveness meditation, that can lead to true healing.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Practical exercises that are deeply rooted in years of experience.
• Techniques that help maintain emotional openness and facilitate healing.
• Taught by well-respected experts in meditation and grief counseling.

Cons

• The content might be too general for those looking for highly specific grief strategies.
• Audio-only format may not suit everyone’s learning preferences.

About the Instructors

Stephen and Ondrea Levine are seasoned caregivers, teachers, and authors who have dedicated their lives to helping others deal with grief and loss. Stephen is known for his bestselling spiritual books “Healing into Life and Death” and “Who Dies?” Together, they have authored “Embracing the Beloved: Relationship as a Path of Awakening.” Their combined experience in counseling and meditation practice provides a strong foundation for this audio course, making them trusted guides in the journey through grief.

Why It’s On The List

We really appreciated “The Grief Process” by Stephen and Ondrea Levine for its deeply meditative approach to healing after loss. The Levines’ decades of experience in grief counseling and meditation make their teachings both gentle and insightful. While it’s audio-only and doesn’t provide formal accreditation, its affordable price and focus on mindfulness make it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a compassionate, spiritual way to process grief.

Course Structure/Content

• Introduction to Grief: Understanding how grief manifests in various forms.
• Meditation Techniques: Practical exercises developed over years of working with meditation groups and hospice residents.
• Forgiveness Meditation: A special meditation focused on forgiveness as a path to healing.
• Study Guide: A 23-page study guide included to complement the audio teachings.

What You’ll Learn

• Meditation techniques to address grief and keep your heart open.
• Practical exercises for managing emotions like fear, guilt, anger, and self-judgment.
• A special forgiveness meditation as a path to healing.
• Awareness training methods developed through years of working with grief and loss.

Who This Course Is Best For

This course is ideal for anyone who is dealing with grief, whether due to the loss of a loved one, a major life change, or other forms of emotional suffering. It’s also suitable for caregivers, hospice workers, or anyone involved in supporting others through grief. The content is accessible for those who prefer a meditative approach to healing.

Tender Hearts by David Kessler

Course Description

Tender Hearts is a compassionate grief support community designed to help you navigate the difficult journey of loss. Led by grief expert David Kessler, this community provides a safe space where you can connect with others who understand the depths of your pain. Whether you’re struggling with guilt, blame, or simply feeling stuck, Tender Hearts offers the guidance you need to remember your loved one with more love than pain. With weekly lessons, live Heart-to-Hearts, and a supportive community, you’ll find a path forward that honors your grief and helps you heal.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Offers a supportive community that’s always available.
• Led by a respected grief expert, David Kessler.
• Provides structured guidance through weekly lessons and live check-ins.
• Focuses on turning pain into purpose and creating a meaningful life after loss.

Cons

• The community is focused on grief related to the death of a person, which might not address other types of grief.
• Requires ongoing commitment to fully benefit from the support offered.

About the Instructor

David Kessler is one of the most well-known experts in the field of grief and loss. With years of experience helping individuals navigate the rocky terrain of grief, he brings compassion, understanding, and practical wisdom to the Tender Hearts community. David’s approach combines real-talk teaching with heartfelt compassion, making him an ideal guide for anyone looking to find peace after a loss.

Why It’s On The List

We truly admire the Tender Hearts community by David Kessler for its heartfelt and ongoing support for those grieving the loss of a loved one. David Kessler’s gentle, real-talk approach helps guide you through feelings of guilt, blame, and the difficult emotions that accompany grief. With weekly lessons, live Heart-to-Hearts, and support from others on a similar journey, Tender Hearts offers a pathway to honor your grief and find healing.

Course Structure/Content

• Gentle Hearts: Learn about the new reality of grief and how to manage the feelings of abandonment, isolation, and shock.
• Open Hearts: Explore your trauma, understand why it’s hard to let go of the pain, and begin to find peace.
• Curious Hearts: Ask yourself the tough questions that will help you move forward on your grief journey.
• Honoring Hearts: Find new ways to continue your relationship with your loved one and turn pain into purpose.
• Evolving Hearts: Integrate your grief and love while practicing self-care and supporting others in the community.

Specific Loss Groups

• Child Loss: Sessions based on the age of the child at the time of loss.
• Spouse Loss: Sessions categorized by the age of the spouse.
• Parental and Sibling Loss: Separate sessions for those grieving the death of a mother, father, or sibling.
• Special Circumstances: Includes groups for death by suicide, addiction, murder, long illness, and more.

What You’ll Learn

• How to release suffering, guilt, and blame during the grieving process.
• Practical ways to honor your grief and move forward with more love than pain.
• Strategies for understanding your personal grieving style and getting unstuck.
• Weekly lessons and live support to guide you through the phases of grief.
• Techniques to turn your pain into purpose and create a meaningful life after loss.

Who This Course Is Best For

Tender Hearts is best suited for individuals who are grieving the death of a loved one and are looking for a supportive, understanding community to help them through the process. Whether you’ve recently lost someone or have been grieving for years, this community offers the tools and support you need to find peace and healing.

Grief Counseling Certificate Program

Course Description

“The Grief Counseling Certificate Program” provides an in-depth exploration of grief, including its various types, symptoms, and the cultural and lifespan factors that impact the grieving process. The program addresses the recent Prolonged Grief Disorder update in the DSM-V-TR, ensuring that clinicians are equipped with the most up-to-date knowledge and skills. The program includes recorded lectures, video training, a post-test, and an evaluation. Participants can complete the training at their own pace, making it convenient for busy professionals.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comprehensive coverage of grief, including diverse models and assessment tools.
• Led by a highly experienced and recognized expert in grief counseling.
• Certification adds value to your professional credentials.
• Self-paced learning allows flexibility in completing the course.

Cons

• The program is specifically tailored for behavioral health clinicians, which might not suit other professionals.
• Requires a commitment to complete the post-test and evaluation for certification.

About the Instructor

Tiffani Dilworth, MA, LCPC, is a seasoned psychotherapist specializing in PTSD, grief, and sexual trauma. She holds a Master’s degree in Community Counseling from Oklahoma State University and is a Fellow in Thanatology as well as a Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist. Ms. Dilworth has worked extensively across the United States, providing training and awareness on grief and the grieving process. In addition to her private practice, she is affiliated with PsychExperts & Associates, Inc., in Baltimore, MD. She is also the author of 11 Tools to Help Manage the Aftermath of Trauma and Types of Grief, and hosts the Managing My Grief Podcast.

Why It’s On The List

We highly recommend the “Grief Counseling Certificate Program” by Tiffani Dilworth for its comprehensive and flexible approach to grief counseling. With 7 CE credits and the latest insights from the DSM-V-TR, this self-paced course offers valuable tools for clinicians to assess and treat different types of grief. Led by a seasoned expert, it provides a solid blend of theory, practical interventions, and certification, making it an excellent choice for professionals looking to deepen their expertise.

Course Structure/Content

• Overview of Grief: Understanding grief, mourning, and various grief types including acute, integrated, and chronic/complicated grief.
• Types of Grief: Explore normal grief, prolonged grief, ambiguous grief, traumatic grief, and other types.
• Assessment Tools for Grieving Clients: Learn about tools like the Beck Depression Inventory, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Core Bereavement Items, and more.
• Culture, Spirituality, and Developmental Grief Responses: Examine how culture and spirituality impact mourning, and understand developmental grief responses.
• Grief Model and Treatment Approaches: Gain insights into models like the Dual Process Model, Companioning Model, Task-Based Model, and more.
• Grief Interventions: Practical tools and interventions for acute grief, family sculpting, maintaining connection, and case studies.
• Ethical and Professional Issues: Understand the ethical and professional boundaries when working with grieving clients.

What You’ll Learn

• Comprehensive understanding of grief types and their symptoms.
• How to assess grief using tools like the Beck Depression Inventory and Core Bereavement Items.
• The impact of culture, spirituality, and developmental stages on grief.
• Models of grief treatment, including the Dual Process Model and Companioning Model.
• Practical interventions for acute grief and strategies for maintaining connections with lost loved ones.
• Ethical and professional considerations when working with grieving clients.

Who This Course Is Best For

This course is ideal for clinicians who provide behavioral health services, including therapists, counselors, and social workers, who wish to deepen their expertise in grief counseling. It’s particularly beneficial for those seeking to earn CE credits while enhancing their ability to support clients dealing with various types of grief.

Grief and Bereavement With Véronique Chown

Course Description

This course is designed to help you understand the natural grieving process and how to support others through it. You’ll learn about the myths surrounding grief, what can go wrong, and the best ways to help those who are grieving. The course offers practical tips, case histories, and compassionate guidance to make you feel more confident in supporting others or dealing with your own grief. With lifelong access to the materials, you can revisit the lessons whenever you need them.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides comprehensive insight into the grieving process.
• Offers practical advice and real-life case studies.
• Self-paced with lifelong access to the content.
• Accredited for 6 CPD hours, adding value to your professional development.

Cons

• Focuses primarily on grief related to death, which might not cover all forms of loss.
• Requires a commitment to complete the 6 hours of content for full benefit.

About The Instructor

Véronique Chown is an experienced psychotherapist with over 20 years in private practice and has also worked in the NHS. Her deep understanding of grief, coupled with her compassionate approach, makes her an ideal guide for this course. Véronique’s personal and professional experiences with grief allow her to provide valuable insights and practical tools that can help you navigate your own grief or support others in their journey.

Why It’s On The List

We highly recommend “Grief and Bereavement” by Véronique Chown for its practical, compassionate approach to understanding grief. With 6 CPD hours and self-paced content, this course offers real-life case studies and essential strategies for supporting others or managing personal grief. Véronique’s deep expertise and clear guidance make this course ideal for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of grief, with lifelong access to revisit the material when needed.

Course Structure/Content

• Part 1: How and Why We Grieve
  • Explore the natural responses to grief and what can go wrong.
• Part 2: What You Need to Know About Grief and Bereavement
  • Learn about the myths, cultural influences, and scientific research on grief.
• Part 3: Practical Things You Can Do to Help
  • Discover effective strategies for supporting those who are grieving.

What You’ll Learn

• Understanding common myths and misconceptions about grief and bereavement.
• How cultural, religious, and belief systems influence the grieving process.
• Identifying when grief becomes complicated, avoidant, or delayed.
• Practical ways to support someone grieving, including essential ‘Do’s and Don’ts’.
• How trauma and depression impact the grieving process.
• Techniques for managing grief, including case studies and examples.

Who This Course Is Best For

This course is perfect for anyone looking to understand grief better, whether for personal growth or to support others. It’s ideal for professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and healthcare workers, as well as individuals who want to feel more confident in helping grieving friends, family, or patients. The course’s straightforward approach makes it accessible to people from all walks of life, including those currently experiencing grief.

Grief & Loss: A Comprehensive Training Program

Course Description

This comprehensive 6-week program is designed to deepen your understanding of grief and loss. Led by renowned grief therapist Claire Bidwell Smith, this course offers over 15 hours of live instruction, including workshops and guest talks. You’ll explore the complexities of grief, develop practical strategies for supporting grieving clients, and gain insights into how race, culture, and identity impact the grieving process. This course also provides a unique opportunity to become a certified provider in Claire’s online directory, expanding your professional credentials and network.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Offers live, interactive sessions with a well-known grief expert.
• Includes 12 CE credits, enhancing your professional qualifications.
• Covers a wide range of topics, including the impact of race and culture on grief.
• Access to an exclusive online community and directory listing.

Cons

• The program is intensive, requiring a significant time commitment.
• Higher cost, which might be a consideration for some participants.

About The Instructor

Claire Bidwell Smith is a leading expert in grief and loss, with a deep personal connection to the subject. As a licensed therapist, international speaker, and author of five books, Claire brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her work. Her experience in hospice and private practice, combined with her own journey through grief, makes her an ideal guide for those looking to explore and understand grief on a deeper level.

Why It’s On The List

We included this course because it offers a deep dive into the complexities of grief, guided by the renowned Claire Bidwell Smith. We value the blend of live sessions and guest talks that help us explore the impact of race, culture, and identity on grieving. With 12 CE credits and the opportunity to be listed in an exclusive directory, we think this program is an excellent choice for those committed to advancing their understanding and support of grief and loss.

Course Structure/Content

• Live Online Instruction (6 Weeks): 15+ hours with Claire Bidwell Smith and guest experts, weekly live sessions on grief topics
• Key Topics:
  • Grief basics, guilt, regret, and anxiety
  • End-of-life planning and making meaning
  • Race, culture, and identity in grief
• Workshops: Cultural grief, death demystification, male grief
• Extras: Recorded sessions, self-guided exercises, 12 CE hours, certification, digital badge, access to the Conscious Grieving Professional Network

What You’ll Learn

• Comprehensive understanding of the grief process and strategies for supporting grieving clients.
• Practical tools for working with specific populations, including people of color and those affected by identity-based grief.
• Techniques for addressing emotions such as guilt, anger, and anxiety in grief work.
• Insights into end-of-life planning and making meaning after loss.
• How to engage in conscious grieving as a framework for healing and growth.

Who This Course Is Best For

This program is ideal for mental health professionals, such as counselors and therapists, who want to specialize in grief and loss. It’s also suitable for coaches, medical professionals, and educators who encounter grief in their work. The course is designed to support those looking to expand their expertise in grief counseling and to provide compassionate, informed support to those in mourning.

• Science-Based Approach: We focused on courses that are grounded in scientific research, particularly those with a foundation in neuroscience, ensuring that the strategies taught are both effective and evidence-supported.
• Trusted Trainers and Platforms: We recommended trainers and platforms that we know and trust, ensuring that the content you receive is of the highest quality and reliability.
• Comprehensive Research: We carefully selected credible trainers with expertise in grief, reviewing their courses for exceptional content. Each course on our list has been vetted and approved by expert Rick Hanson to guarantee excellence.
• Content and Objective Evaluation: Courses were assessed based on the quality of their content, their stated objectives, and their suitability for the intended audience, focusing on how well they achieve their goals.
• Instructor Expertise: We prioritized courses led by instructors with strong backgrounds in psychology, counseling, or grief therapy, hosted on reputable platforms.
• Value for Money: We compared pricing relative to the depth and value of the content offered, including any additional resources provided.
• Accreditation: We’ve checked accreditation details to help you choose the course that best fits your needs.

Choosing the right grief course can really help you or someone you support through a tough time. The courses we picked are based on solid research, taught by trusted experts, and provide practical tools that can make a real difference. Whether you’re looking to grow personally, improve your professional skills, or just understand grief better, these courses offer the support and guidance you need. The right course can provide not just knowledge, but also comfort and hope when you need it most.

Stephanie Veillon is a creative director and instructional designer with over 15 years of experience supporting clients in the mindfulness, personal growth, well-being, learning, and psychology fields. She leverages technology, design, marketing, and best online practices to tell client stories and enhance student experience.