Bereavement Counselors
Bereavement counselors are also known as bereavement coordinators or specialists. They help people deal with their feelings of grief, loss and pain due to the demise of a loved one or pet, and guide them towards emotional healing. Bereavement counselors can either work with the individual or conduct group support sessions.
Bereavement counselor certifications are available from professional organizations, such as the American Association of Grief Counseling. The basic requirement is a degree or certificate in any of their approved programs such Human Sciences or Psychology or grief counseling therapy training. In addition to this, the candidate must have completed a minimum number of years in therapy and counseling work.
Other bereavement counselor certifications include the Certification in Thanatology awarded by ADEC (Association of Death Education and Counseling). This is a professional credential for a person trained in dying, death and bereavement. The basic requirement for this certification is a bachelor or master degree in a related field with a specified number of hours in thanatology and related subjects.
Alternatively, there are colleges and universities which offer degree and certificate programs in these disciplines, such as bereavement education and grief therapy. They also offer online and distance learning bereavement counselor training programs. However it is best to supplement these with personal interaction and practical training, which is available in hospitals and hospices.
Currently there are no certifications for pet bereavement counselors. However training programs for pet bereavement counselors are available. This is a 10-hour program, conducted over a period of 2 days. On completion the attendee is awarded a certificate of attendance.
Bereavement counselor jobs are found in hospitals, hospices, government and other private organizations. The bereavement counselor salary varies, depending on the experience and credentials of the candidate. The average annual salary is estimated at USD 30,000. The bereavement director, who supervises the bereavement counselors command a higher salary, which ranges from USD 42,000 to USD 60,000.
Bereavement counselor certifications are available from professional organizations, such as the American Association of Grief Counseling. The basic requirement is a degree or certificate in any of their approved programs such Human Sciences or Psychology or grief counseling therapy training. In addition to this, the candidate must have completed a minimum number of years in therapy and counseling work.
Other bereavement counselor certifications include the Certification in Thanatology awarded by ADEC (Association of Death Education and Counseling). This is a professional credential for a person trained in dying, death and bereavement. The basic requirement for this certification is a bachelor or master degree in a related field with a specified number of hours in thanatology and related subjects.
Alternatively, there are colleges and universities which offer degree and certificate programs in these disciplines, such as bereavement education and grief therapy. They also offer online and distance learning bereavement counselor training programs. However it is best to supplement these with personal interaction and practical training, which is available in hospitals and hospices.Currently there are no certifications for pet bereavement counselors. However training programs for pet bereavement counselors are available. This is a 10-hour program, conducted over a period of 2 days. On completion the attendee is awarded a certificate of attendance.
Bereavement counselor jobs are found in hospitals, hospices, government and other private organizations. The bereavement counselor salary varies, depending on the experience and credentials of the candidate. The average annual salary is estimated at USD 30,000. The bereavement director, who supervises the bereavement counselors command a higher salary, which ranges from USD 42,000 to USD 60,000.