Commonly Asked Questions about Certification

 What does the Grief Recovery^® Certification Program teach me? We give you a powerful foundation of non-directive and directive Grief Recovery^® communication skills; format and instruction for the Grief Recovery^® Outreach Program; and hands on, experiential training for facilitation of one-on-one and group Grief Recovery^® Principles and Techniques.
How long does it take to master the techniques taught in the Certification Program? As in all other things, what you practice is what you get good at. It would be unreasonable to say that we can make you an expert in five days. But, we’ll lay down a very solid foundation that will allow you to become proficient very quickly.
Is the process primarily for groups or individuals? Isolation is one of the primary problems for most grievers. In general, Grief Recovery^® concepts work best in a group format. However, some grievers will not or cannot participate in a group setting. We’ll teach you Grief Recovery^® skills to help in both one-on-one and groups.

Must I be a professional to become certified? No. Since grief is the normal and natural reaction to loss, and since the Grief Recovery^® Certification Program is educational rather than therapeutic, all that is required is a loving heart and a genuine desire to help grieving people.

While many of our certified personnel are licensed mental health professionals, many come from other areas, such as the funeral and cemetery industries and the clergy. Those who are not in the mental health arena often create a referral list of mental health professionals in their community for situations that are outside the range of Grief Recovery^®. Throughout the country many therapists refer clients to our certified people who are not mental health professionals. These therapists are perceiving wonderful changes in their clients’ ability to move forward after achieving completion in the Outreach programs. 
What is the Grief Recovery^® Outreach Program and how soon after I complete training can I begin running an Outreach Program? The Outreach Program is a 12-week, recovery focused program aimed at completion of the pain caused by loss. The sooner you start your Outreach Program after completing training, the better. It is advisable to put what you learn into use quickly while it is fresh in your mind.
Is there a contractual relationship involved in the Certification process? Yes. A long term license and service agreement allows you to affiliate with the Institute and the intellectual properties protected by copyright law.
Is there a relationship between Grief Recovery^® and drug and alcohol treatment? What about massage, body work and physical therapy? Regarding alcoholism, drug addiction and eating disorders: The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous and most other valid sources allude to the "underlying causes" that affect and limit attempts at sobriety. "Underlying causes" can invariably be classified as grief and loss issues. We do believe that the presenting issue must be dealt with first, but as soon as possible thereafter Grief Recovery^® must be introduced.

As for body work, most professionals recognize a grief component when they work on their clients. Can grief be massaged away? Rather than answer that, we’ll suggest that the unfinished emotional business that’s manifesting itself in physical pain generally does require a Grief Recovery^® solution. The body workers we’ve certified can add the completion component to the discovery made during body work.
Will I qualify for Continuing Education Credit or other recognition as a result of this training? It varies by state. We are an authorized California CEU provider (up to 36 hours) for MFTs and LCSWs and interns of those disciplines. Most other states will recognize this training. What kind of support can I expect from the Grief Recovery^® Institute after I’m certified? You have access to almost unlimited support from the Institute. Near the completion of your training, we’ll instruct you in the best methods of responding to your griever’s questions. When you’re not sure of the answer, you may call us for assistance. With more than 30 years of cumulative experience, there is almost no set of circumstances that we have not dealt with. There is no fee for this continuing service.

The Certification Program provides significant career expansion and opportunities for both mental health professionals and non-professionals alike. Through this program we have certified therapists, marriage and family counselors, funeral directors, employee assistance providers and members of the clergy, to name just a few.

Program Agenda In the four-day course, sessions will deal with Grief  Recovery^® Principles and Counseling Skills, in addition to Community Education, Marketing, and Practical Application Training.

Program Costs Enrolment is very limited and programs fill up quickly. The cost of the Certification Program is $1,995 US or $1,995 CND and a deposit of $795.00  is required to reserve your place. If submitting multiple applications for the same program group rates are available by contacting the Institute Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted. For additional information, please call In the United States 818-907-9600 or in Canada 519-586-8825 Program Schedule & Registration

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© 2004, The Grief Recovery Institute^®. All rights reserved.

                           GriefRecovery^®
 is a registered trademark of The Grief Recovery Institute^®. 

Our Certified personnel use this distinctive mark to announce their association with The Grief Recovery Institute^® and to distinguish themselves from others who help grievers. While the words grief and recovery may be generic, the phrase GriefRecovery^® is unique to the principles and actions outlined in The Grief Recovery Handbook and all other literature and programs affiliated with The Grief Recovery Institute^®. 
Look for GriefRecovery^® - it is your assurance of the highest level of training in the area of helping grievers complete the pain caused by significant emotional losses.