What our students are saying about the course
“
This level was full of incredible interviews and content. The interview about sibling loss was so heartfelt and moving. Listening to all the stories of loss and healing is healing for me as well.
This program is truly amazing. I am so glad I found your website.
”
Business Consultant and Health Coach
“
The 5 perinatal sessions were very relevant and informative: seeing how bereaved parents can be supported in a way that includes the presence of their deceased baby, normalising and validating post loss pregnancy anxiety rather than insisting on a silver lining approach and providing a model for holding the grieving space for parents were all very informative, as was hearing from Maria who kindly shared her experience so that others could learn from her.
The Trauma and Grief session was extremely interesting, I loved seeing the example of the Resilience Cloak to creatively memorialise someone and process loss and seeing the RRL and AAG applied showed how scales can be used in collaboration with a client rather than as an 'assessment' of them.Shapes of Grief is an amazingly comprehensive training course with a wealth of practitioner and lived experience expertise
”
Clare O'Rourke, Infertility Counsellor
“
This fourth module was wonderful.
Very complete, well organized, very rich in content.
Throughout the classes, I found myself attending each one, twice: a first to absorb content, understand and reflect on what was being transmitted;
In a second moment, taking notes, writing, internalizing all content.
A privilege, to be able to have so many teachers from different areas of mourning giving their contribution, always in a very practical way and close to their professional reality.
I learned a lot, I grew up a lot as a therapist.
Gratitude Liz, for this course!
”
Ana Paula Mata, Psychologist & Psychotherapist
“
The 5 perinatal sessions were very relevant and informative: seeing how bereaved parents can be supported in a way that includes the presence of their deceased baby, normalising and validating post loss pregnancy anxiety rather than insisting on a silver lining approach and providing a model for holding the grieving space for parents were all very informative, as was hearing from Maria who kindly shared her experience so that others could learn from her.
The Trauma and Grief session was extremely interesting, I loved seeing the example of the Resilience Cloak to creatively memorialise someone and process loss and seeing the RRL and AAG applied showed how scales can be used in collaboration with a client rather than as an 'assessment' of them.Shapes of Grief is an amazingly comprehensive training course with a wealth of practitioner and lived experience expertise
”
Clare O'Rourke, Infertility Counsellor
“
There were so many new learnings in this module, as someone who lost a brother, I found it very insightful and supportive in affirming my experiences. I sat with the ' attention focus on the parents', and this seemed to 'catch' me . Another area was Black grief, as somone who worked in the developings worlds, Africa, South America ..... the concept of 'whitewashing' with Black people was insightful. Recognizing that Black people's grief has a particular shape, feeling and shade and particularly in USA , from their history. Trauma plays a huge part. However, from my experiences in Africa, I was thought to 'see death' in the present and to talk about it ....it was their everyday reality. The suicide module also gave me new wisdom , I realise that I am 'unlearing ' my learnings and assumptions.
”
Debbie Moore Borland, Prison Chaplain, Irish Prison Service
“
Level 4 was extremely comprehensive, expertly written and delivered, and very valuable. I very much appreciated learning about the specific and uncommon experience of PGD. The two PG Therapy sessions showing the 16 wk program were so well detailed and it was so interesting to see how structured and balanced the therapy course is. I don't plan to work with PGD but I still feel that this level has taught me so much about working with grieving people in my work context, to support, validate and normalise adaptive grief, as well as be aware of indicators suggestive of PG in order to offer referrals.
Seeing three first person accounts of PGD therapy first, before presentations on theory and therapy work was the perfect format, as I had something real as a reference for the latter sessions. SoG has been an invaluable learning experience that has benefitted my work hugely.
”
Clare O'Rourke, Infertility Counsellor
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"As a paediatric art therapist I found Level 2 to be closely associated with the work I facilitate most commonly. In clinical practice I see the themes of grief in older people, parental loss, children experiencing loss, relational rupture, multicultural loss, suicide, sibling loss and so on. This Level 2 training furthered my knowledge by intensifying the concept that grief is nuanced, individual, ever changing and thus requires a therapist to be ambidextrous in their therapeutic scope of practice. I found that really our level of attunement to the clients needs must be intact and honed, as from that space we can moderate our use of silence, of psychoeducation, of listening and all our core conditions.
This Level was incredibly well created, hearing from experts from experience as well as clinicans in their field of expertise. It has already allowed me to reflect on my current practice and how I can be more competent in my offerings. Thank you for creating this course, it is so incredibly required."
”
Paediatric Art Therapist, Ireland
“
This is the most succinct, relevant and comprehensive training I have done!
I have been yearning for a course in grief and loss in Australia, such as this for years and am so glad to have found this one, even if I needed to leave the country to find it!
Thank you Liz, I have wanted to reach through the screen on several occasions to hug you & thank you for compiling such contemporary and evidence-based work. Looking forward to moving through the next levels towards professional certificate.
”
Bereavement Navigator / Registered Nurse Counsellor, Australia
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I have found the course so far to be absorbing and thought provoking. The interaction between Liz Gleeson and the speakers has brought the content to life and has proved to be a compelling experience. I have been nursing for many years and had not appreciated how thinking and established Models of Grief are no longer considered to be correct. Dr Dennis Klass was someone who I could have listened to for much longer and I hope to access further content from him. The course has made me rethink how to approach people at what is a difficult time in their lives and hopefully make a difference to how they are able to cope.
”
TW, Healthcare Assistant, UK
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This was such a fantastic foundation on the established models of grief, and far more in-depth than anything I have accessed before. Listening to all the different experts present both academic theory and personal stories was fascinating. I love the conversational style of interviews and cannot wait to dig into Module 2 now! This training is such a perfect companion to the end-of-life doula training I have recently started. So valuable to be doing both. I have recommended it to others on my doula course.
”
Jenny Campbell, Breathwork Facilitator and Teacher, UK
“
Thanks, Liz. I have completed the original training and I just purchased the entire new program.
I’m a graduate student in the MS in Thanatology program at Edgewood College under the direction of Dr. Janet McCord and a full-time bereavement coordinator in the USA. Your training is some of the best I’ve had. Keep up the great work!
”
Brandon, USA
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Hi Liz, I am finding the course very interesting so far, with lots of "yes, that's exactly how it is!" moments!" I can think of no ways to improve it at present. I am looking forward to the rest of the course. Thank you so much for putting this together. Best wishes, Ange
”
Ange Bunt, UK
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This has been an excellent module , so full of ideas and theories to provoke thoughts and challenge previously held viewpoints. Undertaken in parallel with listening to the podcast has been absolutely illuminating and I feel sure will ultimately enhance my practice when working with those who are bereaved.
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Mental Health Nurse in Palliative Care, UK
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Module 1 was great and provided me with great learning. Liz Gleeson is a wonderful facilitator with such genuine gentleness. I liked the variety of subjects/themes and people she interviewed. Some of the information was what I had previously learnt but it was good to be able to revise.
”
Katherine Lupton, Social Worker, UK
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The case studies were so interesting and it was great to be able to print them out and read over more than once. Listening to the lectures, and then listening to the case studies brought the topics more to life.
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Beth O'Brien, Thanantologist, Australia
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I am learning a lot. Well presented and highly applicable.
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Margretha Marais, Clinical Psychologist, South Africa
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I would like to thank you all for contributing to this amazing module, sharing your experiences with honesty and humility. Its a wonderful privilege to hear learned professionals reflect on their practice, to gain a reviewed understanding, and to pave the way forward for those with an interest in this field. I found the structure of the module very clear and easy to understand and use. Having been pre recorded allowed me to stop and rewind if needed to hear a section for a second time, to take notes or take a short break.
”
Marie Brooks, Hospice Counsellor, UK
“
Fabulous lectures on grief. fascinating to learn more about the grief, grieving, culture and the study into; different perspectives and learning something new. I found it useful that not everyone needs counselling for grief. Freudian's theory on Mourning and his own experiences of grief Continuing bonds, a lovely theory - Denis Klass was inspirational Bowlby was mentioned a lot and i found this very useful with the theory of attachment.
”
Bereavement Liasion Practitioner
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A great start to this course. I have been busy taking notes and it makes me what to explore all the various theorists and people working in this field in more depth. However as a busy mum and part time social worker in a hospice I am delighted to be getting this level of training in what is a very specialist and important field of social work. Yes the last session with Dr Klass reminds me of how lucky I am to work in this field of work and the importance of honouring the individuals journey or group process. I like the use of art and poetry that has been used in the different interview/ presentations and I look forward to the second module. Thank you.
”
Siobhan McGibbin, Social Worker, Ireland
“
I absolutely loved module 1 and, in particular, listening directly to the thoughts of some of the leading researchers/theorists through Liz's curiosity and questioning. Irvin Yalom is a real hero of mine and I enjoyed this discussion. I also really enjoyed the discussion with Robert Niemeyer and this has made me want to research him further. There is rich learning on this course, but also opportunities to discover more through own research. I am on placement at the moment and one of my clients needed support on mild bereavement. It was one of the most rewarding experiences as a trainee counsellor and a privilege to meet this person. Whilst I believe we did some good work together, I think this course is strengthening my ability to support people who come to therapy wanting help with a bereavement.
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Conrad Taylor, Trainee Counsellor, UK
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Excellent module. It was wonderful to learn the models of grief and mourning, but what I enjoyed the most and found most humbling is the authenticity and personal sharing of those involved and the very practical guidance on working supportively with those experiencing loss.
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Emma, Psychotherapist, UK
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Excellent introduction to numerous theoretical approaches and models to understanding grief. Very good quality of content, well presented, informative and offering multiple perspectives - which is wonderful to see.
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Aman Kwatra, Counselling Psychologist, Trinity College Dublin
“
Dear Liz,
I have just completed the Shapes of Grief online learning programme and wanted to thank you for the amazing opportunity of being able to be included.
It really is an excellent programme; every contribution was of great value.
The gathering of such knowledgeable practitioners, all kind and gentle souls has been a joy to watch and listen to.
Thank you so much.
”
Patient & Family Support Services, Hospice , UK
“
I really found module 3 very interesting and I learnt a lot from it.
Having been through the death of a sibling and also close to a family whose son died by suicide, the subjects struck a personal chord for me.
It shows how very different grief can be for those in varying scenarios.
I would like to say how much I appreciate the people who spoke about their losses, certainly not an easy thing to do. I am grateful for the extra knowledge they have enabled me to have.
Thank you to them
I do not feel that this module could have been improved upon.
Thank you Liz.
”
Andrea Bunt, Hospice Counsellor, Cornwall
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I thoroughly enjoyed this level, in particular the information on theories and models of grief. The variety of topics covered made this level interesting and relevant for many different types of people with various backgrounds. Looking forward to completing the next level!
I found this level a suitable introduction for people with little knowledge on grief theories. I honestly don’t think it needs any further improvement or changes.
The warmth and relational depth between you and Caoimhe was simply beautiful. A wonderful conversation between two intelligent, compassionate and caring women.
”
Sandra Barry, Psychotherapist
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I was especially grateful for the examples of language and possible responses used when engaging with people in distress. I really appreciated the sections on communication and listening/tender conversations, as well as the informative sections about grief and loss. Ethical practice was important to cover as well.
I found the course excellent and there was value in every section. I personally appreciated the examples provided from Liz's work and how she responded or what she might say in a certain situation. This was so helpful.
Thank you so much for putting together such a clearly delivered, in-depth and helpful resource for people working in this field.
”
Bereavement Support Worker