Spirituality in Bereavement

Seminar Description

When facing a profound a loss of any kind, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, pet loss or loss of health, we cannot separate psychology from spirituality. Regardless of one’s belief system or image of God, loss and grief almost always brings up existential questions, because searching for meaning is an intrinsic part of the grieving process.

A Christian might wonder, “Why would a loving god let this happen?” or “Is God punishing me?” An SBNR person (Spiritual But Not Religious) might ask, “What am I supposed to learn from this experience?” An atheist might question whether painful events are truly random, or if there is some deeper purpose to our challenges and losses.

In this 8 week, 16 session seminar, you add academic training in spirituality to the practical experience of providing clinical, palliative, and hospice care to those who are dying and those who survive the dying, shifting from best intention to best practices. Insights, best practices, and research-based evidence of the intersectionality of spirituality, psychology, and religion will guide your cohort members to understanding of authentic and compassionate care and action.

Take this seminar as part of the Certificate in Mental Health and Spirituality, or by itself to earn continuing education units (CEUs) as you learn to bring spirituality to the moments in death, dying and bereavement.

Registration Fee: $895

Objectives

• Understand how religious and spiritual diversity can be effectively addressed in situations of bereavement and how it intersects with other forms of diversity.
• Learn, practice, and develop best practices for hospice and palliative care workers, clergy and spiritual directors, pastors and chaplains, in dealing with issues of grief, bereavement, and survival.
• Learn ways for clergy/spiritual directors and mental health professionals to better collaborate to foster wellness in their patients and congregants.