Grief and Loss: Understanding the Grieving Process

6 Hours CPD

Exploring grief through theory, reflection and therapeutic practice.

Grief is a natural response to loss, yet every person's experience is unique. Whilst grief is often associated with bereavement, it can also arise following the loss of relationships, health, identity, employment, hopes or other significant life changes. As counsellors, we are often privileged to support clients as they navigate these experiences.

This one-day CPD workshop explores grief and loss through the work of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and William Worden, examining how each model contributes to our understanding of the grieving process. Participants will consider both the strengths and limitations of these theories and reflect on how they can be applied thoughtfully within contemporary counselling practice.

Through discussion, reflective activities and case studies, participants will develop a deeper understanding of grief and explore ways of supporting clients with compassion, curiosity and respect for each individual's unique experience.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Develop an understanding of grief, bereavement and the impact of loss.

• Explore Kübler-Ross's Five Stages of Grief and Worden's Four Tasks of Mourning.

• Compare the similarities, differences, strengths and limitations of both models.

• Recognise the varied ways grief may present within counselling sessions.

• Consider how grief theories can inform assessment, formulation and therapeutic interventions.

• Develop confidence in supporting clients experiencing grief in a compassionate, ethical and person-centred way.

• Reflect on the impact of grief work on the practitioner and the importance of self-awareness and self-care.

Suitable for

• Qualified counsellors and psychotherapists

• Counsellors in training

• Clinical supervisors

• Mental health and helping professionals

What's Included

• 6 hours of CPD

• Training workbook

• Reflective exercises and case study discussions

• Certificate of Attendance

Course Philosophy

There is no universal pathway through grief. This workshop encourages participants to view theory as a framework for understanding rather than a set of rules to follow. By exploring the work of Kübler-Ross and Worden, counsellors will be better equipped to respond flexibly and compassionately, recognising that every client's experience of loss is shaped by their relationships, culture, personal history and resilience.