An Exploratory Study of Grief Counseling Training and Competencies inCounseling Students at CACREP-accredited Institutions
Year: 2015
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Research suggests that graduate students in counseling and beginning counselors rate grief and death-related topics as those with which they are most uncomfortable (Kirchberg & Neimeyer, 1991;Kirchberg, Neimeyer, & James, 1998).Yet, historically, little training has been provided to students in the area of grief counseling (Allen & Miller, 1998;Ober, Granello, & Wheaton, 2012;Stephenson, 1981).This is concerning given that research also suggests professional training and experience is a strong predictor of perceived grief counseling competencies in helping professionals (Charkow, 2002;Ober et al., 2012).This study explored grief counseling training and competencies with master's level counseling students in the field experience part of their training.The Grief Counseling Experience and Training Survey (GCETS) was used to assess professional training and experience with grief and the Death Counseling Survey (DCS) and its five subscales (Personal Competencies, Conceptual Skills/Knowledge, Assessment Skills, Treatment Skills, and Professional Skills) were used to assess perceived grief counseling competencies.Descriptive information revealed participants lacked grief counseling training, despite nearly three-fourths of them having already worked with grieving clients.concerning their experiences, beliefs, and abilities with grief and grief counseling.The instrument results in a total score, as well as scores on five subscales of Personal Competencies, Conceptual Skills and Knowledge, Assessment Skills, Treatment Skills, and Professional Skills.These are discussed in greater detail in chapter three. SummaryThis chapter began by providing a brief overview of grief and the background of this study by highlighting key literature in the topic area.The problem statement was provided, as well as the research questions that were addressed.The significance of the study was explained and the delimitations and limitations were disclosed.Finally, the key terms used in this study were defined.The following chapter will more thoroughly review the existing literature relevant to this area of study.
Author: Brad A. Imhoff
Institution: Ohio University
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2522472535