Becoming a Successful Grief Coach: Online Certification Programs

“Grief is a normal and necessary process that is fundamentally a journey of the heart and soul” 

– Dr. Alan D. Wolfelt

Helping someone overcome their grief is a virtuous act. But how can you prove your skill to the clients and gain their trust to help them through their healing journey? This is where grief coaching certifications come in. And if you’re a certified grief coach, you are definitely earning the trust and confidence from clients.

But which are some reliable and best grief coaching certifications out there? We are here to help you resolve your confusion about relying on the right certification body. We have listed some high-quality online training and certification courses for your grief coaching that will surely uplift your skill, confidence, credibility, and subject matter expertise.

Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Certification

Program cost: A search for a grief coaching certification online will open doors to a lot of options that can suit your budget. Prices range widely, starting from under $200 to over $2,500. It’s important to note the big price discrepancy. Additionally, consider whether the training academies provide payment plans or offer discounts.

Course length: Assess your daily schedule and availability to see how much time you can commit to training. Certification courses can be lengthy, sometimes lasting a year or more. However, there are also flexible programs with a self-paced learning structure that can accommodate your availability.

Accreditation: Accredited certifications suggest that the training program has been reviewed by a third party. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the most well-known accrediting institution. However, some excellent programs may not be accredited; accreditation ensures certain standards but is not mandatory. If you find a program that meets your criteria but doesn’t hold ICF accreditation, you can pair it with a life coaching program like Coach Training Alliance. This combination can earn you the ICF credential while also helping you hone your life coaching skills.

8 Best Online Grief Coaching Certifications

If you’re looking for the best grief coaching certifications, you’re in the right place. 

Several top grief coach certification programs offer specialized training tailored to different aspects of grief coaching. These programs vary, with some focusing on Christian principles, while others shift the focus from grief to gratitude. 

Here are our top coaching programs that boost your confidence, knowledge, and credibility:

1. Grief Coaching by LCT – ICF Approved

Price: $600

The Institute for Life Coach Training (ILCT) helps both beginners and professionals with the skills needed for grief coaching. This program teaches you to help clients find new meaning in life after the loss of a loved one, envision a future without them, and understand the impacts and challenges of grief. This process allows clients to set new life goals and move forward.

To enroll in the grief coaching class, you need to have completed a 20-hour session on grief coaching or possess related experience. Hence, if you already have experience in coaching, this can be a useful professional upgrade and a way to earn the coveted ICF credential.

The course even explores expert methods like Wolfelt’s principles and how they connect with coaching best practices. ILCT offers a 12-credit-hour class by training you through practical exercises like role-playing techniques, case studies, theoretical perspectives, and hands-on methods. The aim is to improve coaching skills, helping clients overcome grief and discover new strengths.

2. Creative Grief Support Practitioners Program by Creative Grief Studio

Price: 

• Investment access: $3,450 USD total
• Supported access: $2,475 USD total
• Sponsored access: $1,999 USD total (limit 3 per session)

The Creative Grief Studio offers a 4-month 100% online interactive certification program for you and professionals like counselors, therapists, artists and social workers. This program teaches new ways to help people grieve and find meaning in life at the same time. It’s different from traditional grief counseling because it doesn’t see grief as a problem to be fixed.

The program provides online tools, teacher support, and practical ways to help clients after a loss. By taking this program, you’ll gain the confidence to use these new approaches and become more effective in helping people cope with grief.

3. Grief Certification Program by Confident Grief Coach School

Price: $2750 with $500 application fee

The grief coaching certification program teaches you the key skills to support clients facing major loss. It combines online learning with live practice sessions over 12 weeks. The program delves into:

• Your strengths: You’ll learn about Human Design, a system for understanding your unique traits that can be helpful in grief coaching.
• The science of grief: The program explores the latest research on how grief affects the brain.
• Mind-body connection: You’ll discover how traditional Chinese Five Element Theory connects emotions to physical health, offering a holistic approach.
• B.R.E.A.T.H.E. model: This core coaching framework equips you with tools and processes to guide clients through grief.

The program goes beyond typical grief coaching by incorporating these elements. It helps you to support individuals, families, and groups in gradually overcoming trauma. By the end, you’ll be a certified grief coach with a comprehensive program and resources to launch your practice. 

4. Christian Grief Coach Training and Certification by PCCCA

Price: $1697

The Professional Christian Coaching & Counseling Academy (PCCCA) offers a certification program called “Joy Restoration Coach” that trains you to support people through grief. This 9-week program is designed for coaching professionals, doctors, and social workers, who want to help clients navigate various losses, including the death of loved ones, divorce or separation, natural disasters, and so on.

The program provides you with the knowledge of grief stages, coaching techniques, and a faith-based approach to healing. By becoming a certified Christian grief coach, you’ll gain the skills to help others find hope and restoration after experiencing loss.

5. Grief Coach Certification Program by Global Grief Institute

Price: $799.50

The Global Grief Coach Institute helps you become a certified grief coach through their online Grief Coach Certification Program. This course gives you the knowledge to learn about grief, including its stages, symptoms, common misconceptions and ways to overcome the grief emotions. 

You’ll also learn essential coaching skills to guide clients effectively. This includes mastering coaching dialogues and protective language to ensure a safe and supportive environment. The institute’s online format is suitable for working professionals with its flexible schedule and expert support.

6. From Grief to Gratitude Coach Certification by Institute of Professional Grief Coaching – ICF Accredited

Price: $777

The Institute of Professional Grief Coaching (IOPGC) offers a unique “From Grief to Gratitude” Coach Certification Program accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). This program uses compassionate, non-therapeutic methods to guide clients on a journey from grief towards happiness.

Here’s what sets IOPGC apart:

• Focus on gratitude: This program goes beyond traditional grief coaching, emphasizing a shift towards gratitude alongside processing grief.
• Workplace application: You’ll gain insights into fostering a grief-aware workplace culture that understands the impact of loss on employee well-being and productivity.
• Flexible learning: The self-paced online format allows you to learn from the comfort of your home and at your own convenience.

7. Grief Educator Certification by David Kessler Training

Price on request

David Kessler’s Grief Education program empowers you to become beacons of hope for those in grief. This certification equips you with the skills to guide clients beyond the pain towards solace and inner peace.

The program helps you with:

• Effective techniques: Learn practical tools to address challenging life events.
• Transformative pathways: Discover life-changing approaches to guide clients through grief.
• Healing after loss: Explore methods to help clients harness the power of healing after significant losses.

Through a combination of video training, experiential exercises, and expert guidance from master trainers, this program provides a dynamic and supportive learning environment. Each lesson is designed to promote post-traumatic growth, helping people overcome their pain and build a legacy of love.

8. Grief Coach Certification by American Academy Of Grief Counseling

Price: $200

This coaching certificate, launched by American Academy of Grief Counseling (AAGC), is dedicated to continued learning, growth, and achievement in healthcare practice. The program is designed to train health professionals such as nurses, practitioners, therapists, counselors, and social workers in fundamental coaching skills to assist patients in overcoming grief more quickly. 

The course is divided into three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. You can select the appropriate level based on your qualifications and experience. It is important to note that you need to have completed 100 hours of study in an AAGC-approved program to earn the grief certification.

What are the Skills Needed to Become a Grief Coach?

While starting a grief coaching business might seem easy, success requires more than just opening your (perhaps virtual) doors. Statistics show only about a quarter of coaches thrive full-time. To stand out, you must possess an empathetic passion in helping individuals overcome their grief. Honing these key skills will help you get better at that:

• Active listening: This allows clients to express their grief and begin the healing process.
• Clear communication: Effective verbal and nonverbal communication builds trust, creating a safe space for clients to open up about their suppressed emotions.
• Empathy: By showing empathy, you validate your client’s feelings and let them know they’re not alone and you are able to understand them completely.
• Problem-solving: Helping clients identify triggers and develop coping mechanisms empowers them to manage their grief and move forward in a healthy way.

Conclusion

Grief coaching is a growing field that offers a unique way to help people heal. Grief-stricken individuals seek assistance from grief-informed professionals like you, expecting you to help them get through the life transition of dealing with loss more quickly and with greater ease.

While certification isn’t mandatory, it can make you a more trusted and reliable coach. There are many training programs available, with options for different beliefs (like Christian grief coaching) and coaching styles (like the B.R.E.A.T.H.E. model). Budget-friendly programs like Transformation Academy are a great way to start. 

No matter your background, a well-designed training program can help you with the skills you need to become a successful grief coach. And once you’re ready to put your skills to use with clients, leading coaching platforms like Simply.Coach can help!

Get our 14-day free trial to see how you can ease your digital coaching journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the benefits of getting a grief coach certification?
Certification provides comprehensive training, enhances professional credibility, and opens up more career opportunities in the field of grief coaching.

2. How much do grief coach certification programs cost?
The cost varies widely depending on the program’s length, depth, and accreditation. It can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

3. How much can a grief coach expect to earn?
Earnings vary based on experience, location, and the nature of the practice. According to the Global Grief Institute, certified grief coaches can earn between $25 and $150 per hour.4. Do you need a certification to become a grief coach?
While certification is not always legally required, it is highly recommended. Certification provides the necessary training and enhances credibility, making it easier to attract clients and establish a successful practice.