Description:
OPD Points: 5
Grief is a natural response to loss, but for some, it can become prolonged and deeply disruptive. Understanding Prolonged Grief is a comprehensive, self-paced course designed for professionals, students, carers and volunteers in healthcare, mental health, social services, and community care who want to deepen their understanding of prolonged grief and strengthen their ability to identify and provide informed support to those at heightened risk.Â
Participants will gain insights into the latest research on Prolonged Grief and Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), and how these conditions can disrupt daily life and well-being. The course covers key risk factors, evidence-based models, and practical strategies to provide effective, compassionate support.Â
Upon completion, participants will be better equipped to help prevent the escalation of grief into long-term mental health challenges, fostering healing and resilience in those they support.
This course will take approximately three(3) hours to complete.Â
Key Learning Objectives / Outcomes:
- Define prolonged grief and understand its impact on daily life and well-being.
- Differentiate between typical grief responses and prolonged grief to identify when intervention is needed.
- Recognise key risk factors that contribute to severe and long-term grief responses.
- Explore evidence-based models of grief and how they inform effective support.
- Identify when an individual may be “stuck” in their grief and in need of help.Â
- Understand the role of reflection in grief processing and support.
- Engage cultural sensitivity when responding to grief responses.
Assessment:
Presenter / Provider:
This training program was originally developed by Dr. Louise Cooper-Shaw. Since its inception, the program has undergone several iterations, guided by Griefline’s Clinical Services Manager, Marianne Bowdler, feedback from therapists delivering Griefline’s Integrating Grief Program, and valuable insights from bereaved individuals who have accessed Griefline’s grief and loss support services. These contributions have enriched the program to ensure it reflects the latest research and addresses the needs of those navigating prolonged grief.Â
Video elements are presented by;
Dr. M. Katherine Shear and Dr. Susan Delaney
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Presenter Qualifications:
Researched, developed and written by Louise Cooper-Shaw, Master’s in Applied Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Educational Pyschology.
Clinical oversight by Marianne Bowdler, Griefline’s Clinical Services Manager, BA USYD (Philosophy), Bereavement and Psychotherapeutic (person-centred) counsellor, Clinical Supervision (Robin Shohet, London), ASIST Suicide Prevention trainer, Mental Health First Aid trained.
Video inserts by;
- Dr. M. Katherine Shear – Bachelor of Science in Biology with honors from the University of Chicago and a Medical Degree from Tufts University School of Medicine.
- Dr. Susan Delaney – Clinical Psychologist with over 30 years of experience in the field of bereavement and loss. Served as the Bereavement Services Manager at the Irish Hospice Foundation, where she established and led the Complicated Grief Programme.
Course content researched and developed by; Dr Louise Cooper Shaw – a training and development specialist with a Master’s in Applied Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Educational Psychology. Louise, a long-standing Griefline volunteer and counselling supervisor, curated the program with input from professional therapists, academics, and digital education specialists.Â
Clinical oversight by: Marianne Bowdler, Griefline’s Clinical Services Manager since 2021 and Lead Facilitator of Griefline Knowledge’s grief and loss training programs. Marianne, oversees Griefline’s Integrated Grief Program – supported by the NSW Ministry of Health, and by SEMPHN in Victoria which is designed to support those navigating complex grief. Former Manager of the East London Bereavement Service Covid19 response.
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Registration Instructions:
To register for this training go to;
https://griefline.trainercentralsite.com.au/#/home
