If you want to work as a grief counselor, you should know that licensed and non-licensed grief counselors have different responsibilities and limitations. Grief counselors who provide any type of clinical or psychological grief counseling must be licensed, though the requirements vary state or country. Funeral directors and others who offer comfort and counsel to bereaved clients aren’t considered clinical psychologists and aren’t required to have a license for grief bereavement counseling.
A licensed bereavement counselor works full-time in the field, whereas a non-licensed bereavement counselor may provide counseling to clients part-time. Clients are frequently referred to licensed grief counselors non-licensed bereavement counselors. Bereavement refers to the feeling of loss experienced when a loved one passes away, and people react to loss in a variety of ways. A person who has recently lost a loved one may find it helpful to talk about his or her feelings with a professional, such as a funeral director, whereas others may require ongoing psychological counseling from a licensed grief counselor.
A bachelor’s degree in a human services field is usually the minimum requirement for becoming a licensed grief counselor. Grief counselor jobs are increasingly requiring a master’s degree in psychology or social work. Licensed grief counselors work with individuals and groups, whereas unlicensed bereavement counselors typically speak with clients one-on-one or in small groups.
Volunteering at a hospice as a grief counselor is a good way to get started on the path to becoming a grief counselor. A hospice is a living environment that provides care for people who are near death. After a loved one passes away, hospices offer counseling to bereaved family and friends. You can get grief counseling training and supervision volunteering at a hospice, which will help you decide if you want to pursue further training, education, and licensing as a grief counselor.
To become a licensed grief counselor, you must complete supervised work hours and pass an exam. The number of supervised hours varies depending on where you live. Funeral directors, hospital workers, and anyone interested in becoming a grief counselor can find education programs and certification information at the American Academy of Grief Counseling.