Develop the knowledge, skills and compassion to support others through profound loss.
Death and grief are universal human experiences – yet they are often met with silence, discomfort and misunderstanding. How individuals experience death, dying and bereavement is shaped by many factors including culture, stage of life, spirituality, past trauma, and the nature of the loss itself. In many settings, death remains a taboo topic, leaving individuals and families without the language or support to process their grief.
This certificate is designed for professionals who support individuals and families through the end-of-life journey and beyond. Drawing on current research and grounded in compassionate practice, the program offers a deeper understanding of the psychological, social, cultural and spiritual dimensions of death and bereavement. Participants will explore a range of topics including traumatic loss, end-of-life care, MAiD, and the diverse ways in which people mourn.
Through a selection of Professional Development courses, participants will:
- Explore frameworks and tools for companioning the dying and the bereaved.
- Learn strategies for supporting grief in children, parents and individuals living with intellectual disabilities.
- Reflect on their own experiences, values and beliefs around death.
- Build confidence in having conversations around loss, suffering and meaning.
- Understand the importance of ritual, storytelling and presence in grief work.
Whether working in healthcare, mental health, social work, education, pastoral care or community support, this certificate equips professionals with the insight and tools needed to walk alongside others with empathy, dignity and respect in times of deep vulnerability.
Completion Requirements
To earn the Death, Dying and Bereavement certificate, you must complete at least 84 course hours. The program is flexible – you can finish in as little as one year or take up to seven years. You do not have to be working towards the Death, Dying and Bereavement certificate to take any of these courses. You can complete these workshops in any order, but it is strongly recommended that you take the Foundations of Grief workshop first if you do not have previous training or experience in this field.
Participation and Attendance
Remote: Full attendance and participation are required to complete these courses. You are required, as much as possible, to have your camera on. We know there are situations where this is not possible, so please send a message to your instructor or the Professional Development host to let them know that you are unable to turn on your camera. Our courses are interactive and include breakout rooms, role play, group discussions and other activities. Participation is required.
Online: Read the course materials, complete quizzes and participate in all required discussions and activities. The estimated workload is approximately two hours per week.
Four + Discount
Register for four or more courses at the same time to receive a 10% discount on each course. To qualify, you must complete registration and payment for all courses in a single transaction. The discount is non-cumulative and cannot be applied retroactively. If discount is not applied at time of registration, contact fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca for assistance before payment. Discounts cannot be applied after registration has been completed.
Delivery Options
The Death, Dying and Bereavement certificate courses are available remotely through Zoom and asynchronously online.
Registration
No application required. To register, choose a course and section to view the dates and cost. Add the course to your cart and complete payment.
Becoming a Therapist
This Death, Dying and Bereavement certificate does not qualify you for registration with any regulatory body (e.g. Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario) or to practice as a licensed therapist. To become a regulated therapist, please visit the website for the appropriate regulatory body in your province.
Contact Information
For more information about this certificate contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:
Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Phone: 548-889-5128
See our website and Frequently Asked Questions for more information.