How to Become a Grief Counselor
Grief counselors work with clients individually and in group settings. They help people deal with issues associated with the loss and separation from a loved one. They are often employed by the government, or may operate in private practice. Even though it is not always necessary to have a degree in grief counseling or certification, there are still certain steps that need to be taken in order to become a grief counselor.
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Instructions
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Earn a bachelor's degree. A degree in counseling is usually a requirement of employers for candidates wanting to begin a career as a grief counselor. Receiving a degree in social services or any other human services field is also acceptable.
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Earn a master's degree. Obtaining a master's degree in psychology or social work is not always necessary to be considered for a job; however, this degree will supply you with more knowledge and expertise in the grief counseling field and cause potential employers to look at you more favorably.
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Find an internship. After obtaining your master's degree you will need to complete 2 years of supervised work in a counseling setting. Interning gives you valuable experience and prepares you for grief counseling in a way that cannot be done by simply attending classes. Interning can be done in any setting like a hospital, church or a therapist's private practice.
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Volunteer with a related organization. If you do not intern you also have the option of volunteering with organizations that provide grief counseling services. Like interning, volunteering will give you the opportunity to see if you will enjoy the field of grief counseling. You can speak to funeral directors and pastors about volunteer opportunities.
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Apply for certification. Before becoming a grief counselor it is important to know that some employers prefer that their employees have grief counselor certification. The American Institute of Health Care Professionals offers certification as well as recertification.
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