We get questions all the time asking what each of our modules cover in the 4 month Certification Course here at Creative Grief Studio. Tamara put together this quick insightful guide to give you a peek at each module. If you have questions about any one in particular, please feel free to drop us questions on our social media or send an email!
What’s in week 1, Module 00? In our first week together, we provide information you need to set up in our online community and be ready for our first call. We’ll discuss the values underpinning the course and introduce you to the teaching team.
In week 2, Module 01 we ask, “What is Grief?” & walk through several viewpoints on that while acknowledging a diversity of experiences. We introduce meaning making: individual, social & creative. We discuss humility & creativity in practice.
What’s in week 3, Module 02? We turn our attention to the supportive relationship. The main question that we seek to answer is, “How do we form supporting relationships that stand together with people against the supports and the effects of shame in grieving?”
In week 4, Module 03 we dive deeper into understanding grieving as a meaning-making process. We cover assumptions that are embedded in Social Constructionist philosophy & discuss dominant ideas in modern Western grief psychology that are now questioned.
Week 5, Module 04 explores the concept of shame in the context of grief and loss. It can significantly impact the grieving process. While shame may not affect everyone, addressing it can help individuals build resilience and find hope in their grief.
Week 6, Module 05 topics include how shame resilience helps navigate grief & strengthen connections. It involves recognizing, understanding, & overcoming shame while staying authentic. Connection, advocacy, & conversations foster healing & growth after loss.
[Week 7 is a digestion week.]
Week 8, Module 06 discusses exploration & transformation of difficult emotions. We inquire about clients’ relationships with emotions & coping skills to promote shame-free emotional experiences. Creative tools empower clients to uncover resilience.
Week 9, Module 07 covers the connection between physical health & grief, recognizing the impact on well-being. We explore how to support clients’ physical agency & offer several creative tools. Dr. Lorraine Hedtke’s Remembering Conversations tool is introduced.
Week 10, Module 08 focuses on Remembering Conversations as a grief support approach. Dr. Lorraine Hedtke’s demos, lectures, and writings cover various relationships & deaths. Explore storytelling for transformation & create re-membering art with photos.
Week 11, Module 09 dives deeper into the concept of the Re-membering Conversation, adapting the tool to process conflicted relationships or difficult deaths/traumatic events. It includes a video demonstration by Dr. Lorraine Hedtke.
Week 12, Module 10 goes into trauma’s connection with loss. It examines trauma’s effects, emphasizing recovery support alongside grief. We explore how social injustice intersects with trauma and loss, addressing ethical issues.
The role of community in grieving is covered in week 13, Module 11. It explores relationship challenges & provide practical strategies to support clients. Relationship expert, Dr. Harriet Lerner, is interviewed. Tools for difficult relationships are offered.
Week 14, Module 12 explores the social construction of dying experiences, the importance of language & choices in creating a meaningful dying time. It emphasizes the expression of agency & fostering connection. Creative end-of-life rituals are covered.
We focus on values, ethical practices in work, ensuring client fit, & appropriate help in week 15, Module 13. The module includes insights from Dr. Kimberly Manning on developing an ethical, accountable, and sustainable practice.
In week 16, Module 14 we discuss facilitating meaningful endings, fostering agency, belonging, and hope. Practical strategies include co-creating the ending with the client, acknowledging experiences, & maintaining a positive and meaningful experience.
Also in week 16, the final week, in Module 15 we provide all the guidance needed to submit and be successful in the process for a certification in Creative Grief Support. We go over the assessment criteria, tasks, and submission instructions.