Grief Counselor Certification

Grief counselors help people through difficult periods.

It is an unfortunate reality that grief occurs as part of human life. For example, a person may experience grief when someone she loves dies or when she loses her job. The good news is that people do not need to carry their grief alone. Grief counselors help grieving individuals identify grief sources and work through the difficult periods of sadness, anxiety and frustration. Certification is available for those who wish to enter this field.

Certification Board

The American Academy of Grief Counseling is the certification board that is best known and respected for grief counseling certification. This organization is a part of a larger institution, the American Institute of Health Care Professionals, which professionals recognize across all specialties of the mental and physical health industry.

Grief Education Prerequisites

Professional experience alone is not sufficient to apply for certification. Those who wish to apply for certification in grief counseling first must prove to the American Academy of Grief Counseling that they have graduated from an accredited university or professional program designed specifically for grief or bereavement services. These programs must have a minimum of 100 hours.

Field/Degree Prerequisites

In addition to having to have completed a program related to grief services, applicants for certification also must hold a degree or be involved in specific fields. Examples of qualifying fields include nursing/physician, funeral services, psychology, ministry, counseling and social work. Only those who meet the field requirements qualify for the second half of the certification process (continuing education hours).

Continuing Education

Applicants for grief counseling certification have to complete four continuing education courses on subjects such as death and dying. All of these programs are online, and applicants have two years in which they may complete the work. Once the applicant has completed these courses, he may apply for certification with the board of the American Academy of Grief Counseling.

Duration

Certification lasts three years. After the three years is up, a certified grief counselor must reapply to keep her certification current. As part of the this process, renewing applicants have to complete a minimum of 50 hours of continuing education before they must renew again (within three years). They also have to reapply for Fellowship (fully certified) status with the American Academy of Grief Counseling.

Fees

Compared to other areas in the health care industry, grief counseling certification is relatively inexpensive. Both initial and renewal certification costs $175 for the three-year certification period. If an application is denied, the American Academy of Grief Counseling refunds $145 of this fee.

References

• American Academy of Grief Counseling: Certification