- Overview
- Admissions
- Curriculum
- Instructors
- FAQ
- Who should register?
- Comprehensive training in grief theory and group facilitation
- What types of financial support are available?
- Are there any required textbooks?
- Is this program eligible for UVM employee tuition remission?
- Are payment plans available?
- How frequently is this course offered?
- Do I need prior experience with grief work?
- What is the weekly time commitment?
- Are there live sessions?
Overview
You’re here because you’ve likely seen or experienced the devastation grief can cause and know that there isn’t a way to simply “move on.” And yet, you’ve also seen the growth and peace people can find over time when they work through their grief with help.
Peer support groups are among the most effective ways to help people move through grief, yet they remain hard to find.
That’s why UVM created the Grief & Bereavement Specialist Certificate: to give professionals the knowledge and skills to confidently guide others through grief and to meet this growing community need.
Whether you’re a healthcare professional, mental health practitioner, educator, clergy member, or community leader, this grief training program equips you to confidently lead grief support groups and foster healing in your community.
Graduates of this program will:
- Gain an in-depth understanding of the psychological aspects of grief, types of grief, the history of grieving practices, and cultural considerations.
- Develop the skills to structure and facilitate peer support groups in community centers, schools, hospitals, or faith-based organizations.
- Build confidence in addressing grief within your profession, whether working with patients, clients, students, or congregants.
- Learn how to create a supportive, structured environment that fosters healing and meaningful connections.
“Most people are looking for a group rather than individual grief therapy. This course empowers professionals and community members to meet that need, providing structure and confidence in leading peer support groups.”
— Matilda Garrido, Program Developer & Instructor
What sets UVM apart
One of the Only Comprehensive Grief Training Programs
Unlike other grief support training programs, UVM’s certificate provides both theoretical knowledge and practical facilitation skills, allowing graduates to design their own grief support groups.
Academic Credibility
The program offers an academically rigorous curriculum that incorporates historical grief practices, psychology, and community-based support.
Real-World Application
Students learn to apply their knowledge immediately, whether they work in hospitals, schools, community organizations, or faith-based settings.
Join our growing community
- A Pioneer in End-of-Life education
- 4,000+ graduates of our Professional Certificate program
UVM has set the standard for excellence in end-of-life doula education with programs that consistently fill to capacity and robust opportunities for alumni to engage with our larger community.
Thousands of professionals have trusted UVM to guide their journey in providing compassionate end-of-life care. Our grief specialist training gives our community added tools to help the people they serve.
How does this program differ from the End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate?
The End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate prepares individuals to directly support those approaching death and their families. The Grief & Bereavement Specialist Certificate, on the other hand, focuses on the post-death bereavement process and grief support training so professionals can create peer support groups for those experiencing loss.
If you are new to end-of-life care, we recommend completing the End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate first. This foundational knowledge of death and dying will enhance your ability to provide meaningful grief support.
Admissions
Who should register?
This program is designed for professionals and community members who wish to deepen their understanding of the history, theory and practice of grief and mourning and lead meaningful support groups, including:
- End-of-life doulas
- Clergy and spiritual care providers
- Social workers, counselors, psychologists, and therapists
- Nurses, physicians, and palliative care specialists
- School counselors and educators
- Funeral directors and funeral staff
- Community volunteers supporting the bereaved
Due to the aging of the population, there is and will continue to be a growing need for community-based grief support services. Research and data has consistently shown that peer-support groups, facilitated by a trained provider, are most meaningful and helpful for participants.
Prior knowledge recommendation: Though this course does not have formal prerequisites, students should have foundational knowledge of end-of-life care. If you are new to this field, we recommend completing UVM’s End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate first before enrolling in the Grief and Bereavement Specialist Professional Certificate.
Curriculum
Comprehensive training in grief theory and group facilitation
This eight-week grief and bereavement training program offers a structured, evidence-based approach to grief education, covering both historical and contemporary perspectives on bereavement using a blend of asynchronous learning and self-reflection exercises.
Course topics include grief and mourning practices, special populations and their different needs as well as developing a peer-support community-based bereavement group.
While the course is self-paced, there are opportunities for collaboration with three live virtual sessions and a discussion board that encourages community-building and deeper connection with the course materials.
“Grief makes people uncomfortable, and many don’t know what to do, so they back away from the griever to avoid doing the wrong thing. This course helps professionals and community leaders gain the confidence that the support they’re offering is meaningful while also helping others to feel more comfortable being around others who are grieving.”
— Matilda Garrido, Program Developer & Instructor
Instructors
Our instructors bring extensive experience in grief counseling and group facilitation, offering students both academic knowledge and real-world insights.
FAQ
What types of financial support are available?
Learn about options for discounts, grants, loans, scholarships, and more on our tuition and financial aid page.
Are there any required textbooks?
There will be suggested books (TBD) for the course overall as well as required articles for each module. There will be an overall bibliography for the course itself as well as specific bibliographies for each module if students want to dive in further.
Is this program eligible for UVM employee tuition remission?
No. Non-credit courses do not currently qualify for tuition remission.
Are payment plans available?
No, we do not have payment plans, you must pay in full by credit card when you register.
How frequently is this course offered?
This program is offered three times per year.
Do I need prior experience with grief work?
No prior experience is required, but this program is especially beneficial for professionals already working in healthcare, counseling, education, or community leadership. If you are new to this field, we recommend completing UVM’s End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate first before enrolling in the Grief & Bereavement Specialist Certificate.
What is the weekly time commitment?
Students should expect to spend 7-10 hours per week on coursework, discussions, and optional live sessions.
Are there live sessions?
Yes, the program includes optional Zoom sessions covering:
- Session 1: Cultural sensitivity
- Session 2: Modern bereavement theory in action
- Session 3: Support for the facilitator
Advising and Student Support
You have the goal; we’ll help you achieve it
We are dedicated to helping you access UVM. It is our role to get to know your experience and goals, assist you in choosing courses, guide you through registration, and serve as your resource throughout your time at UVM.
Curious if your past college credits apply at UVM? Want to understand where a program will take you after completion? Looking for resources for financial aid, tutors, or UVM policies? We’re here to help.
