Plan of Study – Grad Cert Bereavement: Trauma, Loss and Grief

Note: A Semester Hour (s.h.) is a unit of academic credit representing an hour of class (such as lecture class) or three hours of laboratory work each week for an academic semester. Most courses are two, three or four semester hours.

Grad Cert Bereavement: Trauma, Loss and Grief

Certificate Requirements (Minimum of 9 semester hours required.)

HSP 5210 Trauma, Loss and Grief: Helping Families Heal (3 s.h.)

In-depth analysis of family dynamics following normative loss, traumatic loss or other life transition events. Theoretical foundations include family systems theory, family developmental/lifespan theories, crisis and communication theory, attachment theory, and grief theories that promote adaptation and transformation through the grieving process. The social context of grief is explored at the individual, familial and societal levels of intervention as they impact family structure and cohesiveness. Students explore their own family-of-origin loss experiences through analysis of case studies, popular cultural portrayal of loss in videos and music, and selected experiential activities such as relaxation, meditation, and writing/journaling.

HSP 5310 Evolving Trends in Trauma, Loss, and Bereavement (3 s.h.)

Examine the historical context of trauma, loss, and bereavement including traditional medical model practices and application of emerging knowledge in neurophysiology and the biopsychosocial-spiritual models to promote deeper awareness of the intricacies involved in quality of life and healing following loss and traumatic life events. Selected emerging theories in health care and mental health fields are reviewed including an overview of the application of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual-V (DSM-V) in treatment and intervention of specific conditions/disorders related to the grieving process.

HSP 5410 Integrative Treatment Modalities in Trauma, Loss and Grief (3 s.h.)

Examination of the wide range of community services available to the bereaved, including those with normative life losses and those affected by traumatic loss or persistent complex bereavement disorder. Identification and appraisal of existing trauma and grief counseling approaches, support groups, prevention, educational and intervention models. Application and hands-on practice with emerging integrative treatment modalities and how they facilitate healing across health care, human service and hospice/palliative/EOL care settings. Secondary trauma, compassion fatigue and burnout as they occur in professional practice with clients will be explored with recommended prevention and coping strategies for care providers.