Description
This five-session series is for those who wish to companion the bereaved or are already doing so in various capacities and want to hone their skills. The art of supporting those who grieve life’s losses is deceptively simple, but many who support the bereaved discover a challenge of imbalanced approach of head, heart, and persistence. Often the best approach feels counter-intuitive, counter-intellectual and even counter-western culture.
In this training, we explore the ‘Three-Legged Stool,’ a natural and balanced approach to companioning the bereaved along with compassionate approaches to guiding the bereaved towards purposeful and intentional healing.
At the completion of this five-session training, participants will:
- understand grief, the grief process and its significance to healing life’s losses
- understand the main components of the ‘Three-legged Stool’ approach to supporting the bereaved
- understand the companioning philosophy with sensitivity to serving differing ages, cultures, ethnicities and spiritual backgrounds
- learn compassionate approaches to help guide the bereaved effectively through their grief
- learn specific methods to help the bereaved identify and overcome roadblocks to healing life’s losses
- learn ways to nurture and cultivate resiliency in the bereaved to enhance their capacity to endure their grief reactions and honor their unique mourning style.
The gatherings will include presentation and educational activities, small and large group interaction, meditation and griever-friendly rituals, opportunities to practice skills and opportunities for personal integration. Participants will receive four grief related books and practical handouts.
Certification of completion of 40 Continuing Education Hours (4 CEUs) is available upon request for an additional $25 fee.
Program requirements include attendance at all five Saturday gatherings, a period of 1.5 years since a significant loss (preferred) and reading and reflection before sessions.
Registration and Application Process:
1. Complete and submit the registration form.
2. Once your registration is received, you will be emailed a biographical application form which is required to be completed and submitted for review by the training program team.
3. You will be notified regarding your acceptance into the program and mailed the assignment for the initial gathering. Once accepted, an online invoice will be sent for payment.
Registration is due by Monday, December 16, 2024
Five Saturdays: January 18, February 22, March 22, April 26, and May 17
8:30am – 4:30pm
The cost of this retreat is $680, which includes five training days, noon meals, four books, handouts and materials
Please add $25 for CEUs (1.6 units) if you plan to pursue CEUs.
Led by Grief Support Training Team
You can register online by clicking the register button above, by calling the front desk at 262-898-2590 with a credit card number, or by mailing a check made out to “Siena Retreat Center.” Partial scholarships are available. Please contact Claire Anderson at (262) 898-2588 to arrange for a partial scholarship.
See our Frequently Asked Questions page for our cancellation policies and other helpful information.
Cat Horzewski