MCCCD Program Description

Grief Counseling Techniques

Course: BHS269

First Term: 2006 Fall

Lecture 3 Credit(s) 3 Period(s) 3 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S

Description: Techniques, strategies, and treatment modalities necessary for the helping professional working with the bereaved and others affected by traumatic loss

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the counseling process and applicable skills to the needs of bereaved and grieving clients. (I, II, III, IV, VI, VII) 2. Identify and describe major theoretical approaches, diagnostic models, and initial assessment methods. (I, II) 3. Demonstrate model specific counseling techniques in the affective, cognitive, behavioral, and systemic areas. (III, IV, VI) 4. Develop a service plan based on client profiles. (IV) 5. Assess the strengths and limitations of various treatment modalities when applied to client profiles. (III, V) 6. Describe various methods for assessment of the progress made by clients. (II, VI) 7. Relate grief and bereavement issues to the healing process and restoration of normalcy in the client`s life. (VII) 8. Devise sample memorial ceremonies and bereavement programs. (VI, VIII) 9. Devise sample memorial ceremonies and bereavement programs. (III, VI, VII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Review the Counseling Process Models A. Basic Communication Models 1. Client Centered 2. Cognitive Behavioral B. Specific Approaches 1. Effective Listening 2. Cognitive 3. Affective 4. Social 5. Experiential 6. Systemic C. Grief and Bereavement Models 1. Worden 2. Kubler-Ross 3. Other II. Diagnostic/Assessment Methods A. Assessment Interview B. Identification and Assessment of Client Problems Retarding the Natural Grief Process C. Determining the Difference Between Grief and Depression D. Distinguishing Normal vs. Pathological Mourning III. Clinical Issues A. Core Trauma Issues in Loss, Grief, and Bereavement B. Relationships - Family, Children, and Teens C. Sudden, Suicidal, Violent, & Unanticipated Death D. Hospice, Hospital, Organ Donation, and Related Factors E. Media Attention and Grieving in the Spotlight F. Integration of Issues with the Recovery & Reframing Processes G. Perception and Social Concerns H. Ethical Guidelines IV. Formulation of Service Plan A. Developing a Treatment Plan from the Assessment B. Identification of Specific Goals and Objectives C. Selection of Specific Service Methods to be Used V. Application of Treatment Methods to Identified Needs A. Selection of Treatment Methods B. Strengths and Limitations of Specific Methods of Treatment for Selected Client Profiles C. Incorporating Therapeutic Play for Children D. Team Crisis Intervention Methods VI. Counseling Techniques and Strategies A. Specific Communication for the Bereaved Adult B. Facilitating Grief Recovery Groups C. Working with Grieving Children VII. Facilitating Healing & Restoring Normalcy A. Empowerment Strategies B. Religious & Spiritual Considerations C. Mortality Concerns D. Cultural & Traditional Concerns E. Healing and Memorial Rituals VIII. Setting Up Bereavement Programs A. Logistics of Forming Grief Recovery Groups B. Planning Memorial Services C. Organizing Community Events

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 2/28/2006

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.