CHCCCS017 – Provide loss and grief support
Overview
This module explores the grief and loss process and how counsellors can support clients to successfully manage loss and grief.
Trigger Warning
Section 1: An Introduction to Grief and Loss
In this first section of the module, you will learn about different types of loss. You will also learn how grief and loss impacts on the individual, as well as on families and communities.
Section 2: Understanding the Grieving Process
In this second section of the module, you will learn about key models and theories that have been developed to understand the grieving process. You will also learn more about the factors that influence the grief experience, including the social and context of loss and grief.
Section 3: Grief and Loss Support
This section of the module focuses on skills to help you provide grief and loss support. You will learn about identifying grief reactions that indicate referral needs, how to work with clients experiencing grief and loss issues, and how to utilise additional supports.
Section 4: Reflection and Self-Care
In this final section of the module, you will learn about the risks to counsellors who engage in grief and loss work, as well as strategies to minimise these. You will also learn about the importance of reflection in order to improve counselling practice.
Unit Title
CHCCCS017 – Provide loss and grief support
Unit Purpose
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide basic loss and grief support in counselling practice.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this unit.
Content
Section 1: An Introduction to Grief and Loss
Section 2: Understanding the Grieving Process
Section 3: Grief and Loss Support
Section 4: Reflection and Self-Care
Resources/Readings
Readings A – K are located at the end of this module.
Suggested Hours
Although everyone will work at their own pace, we suggest you allow approximately 55 hours to complete this unit competently, including seminars, tutorials, assignments and practical activities.
Time Frame
The recommended time frame for this unit is 4 weeks.
Assessment
This unit will be assessed by completing the CHCCCS017 assessments.
Upon completion of this unit, you should be able to:
| Element | Performance Criteria |
|---|---|
| 1. Recognise reactions to loss and grief |
1.1 Recognise reactions to loss and grief. |
| 2. Engage empathetically |
2.1 Interact with individuals with empathy, sensitivity, professionalism and courtesy. |
| 3. Offer support and information |
3.1 Identify individuals experiencing difficulty in coping with grief and trauma and link or refer them to options for further help as needed. |
| 4. Care for self | 4.1 Monitor own stress level in relation to working in the area of grief and loss. 4.2 Recognise and minimise risks to self associated with grief and bereavement support. 4.3 Identify and respond to the need for supervision and debriefing. |
| 5. Review support provided | 5.1 Reflect on outcomes during and after support is provided. 5.2 Identify where further support is required. 5.3 Review practices for continuous improvement. |
Knowledge Evidence
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:
- spectrum of loss situations, including:
- primary loss
- secondary loss
- cumulative loss
- integration of loss
- potential impacts at the individual, family and community level, of grief, bereavement and trauma.
- features and expressions of grief and how these may vary, including:
- complex grief
- disenfranchised grief
- reactions that may indicate risk of suicide and required responses.
- how loss, grief and bereavement can impact on social and emotional health and well- being.
- social, cultural, ethnic and spiritual differences in responses to loss, grief and bereavement.
- different contexts and circumstances that may be present prior to loss and their impact on grief and bereavement.
- strategies and communication techniques for formal and informal grief and bereavement support.
- grief and bereavement care services and information resources.
- stress vulnerability model and its application to loss and grief support.
- self-care strategies and support services for workers.
- legal and ethical considerations and how these are applied in an organisation and individual practice, including:
- duty of care
- privacy, confidentiality and disclosure
- work role boundaries – responsibilities and limitations
Performance Evidence
The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:
- responded effectively to at least 3 diverse situations of loss, grief, bereavement or trauma.
- engaged with people using effective communication skills at least once that included:
- empathic listening skills
- verbal and non-verbal techniques
- providing information clearly and sensitively
- obtaining feedback to confirm understanding
