How to accompany people through grief as a trained companion: understanding grief, listening skills, what helps and what harms, different losses, cultural and spiritual dimensions, group and individual support, recognizing when professional help is needed, boundaries, and self-care. Eighteen lessons for volunteers, aides and community supporters.

Modules

Understanding Grief

Lessons

• What Grief Is Preview
• Models of Grief
• Types of Loss

Companioning Skills

Lessons

• The Companion’s Role
• Listening Skills
• What Helps and What Harms

Supporting Different Grievers

Lessons

• Grief After Sudden and Traumatic Loss
• Children and Teens
• Older Adults and Cumulative Loss

Culture Faith and Ritual

Lessons

• Cultural Dimensions of Grief
• Faith Spirituality and Meaning
• Rituals Memorials and Remembrance

Recognizing Complicated Grief and Crisis

Lessons

• Normal Grief vs Complicated Grief
• Depression Anxiety and Suicide Risk
• Making Referrals

Groups Boundaries and Self-Care

Lessons

• Supporting Grief Groups
• Boundaries and Ethics
• Caring for Yourself as a Companion