Deepen your understanding of grief with evidence-based bereavement training
Many psychologists will work with clients whose experiences of grief and bereavement intersect with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties or life transitions. While grief may not always be the presenting issue, it is often an important part of the therapeutic picture.
Our evidence-based bereavement training explores contemporary grief theory, psychological models and compassion-focused approaches to help psychologists feel more confident formulating and supporting grief within clinical practice.
Whether you work in the NHS, private practice, education or specialist mental health services, our online learning resources are designed to deepen your understanding of bereavement and enhance your therapeutic work.
“Approximately 60% of bereaved people adjust with the support of family and friends, while around 40% require additional support with their grief.” – Finucane et al 2024
Start exploring your training options
Use this form to tell us a little about your training needs. You’ll receive our Training Brochure + Indicative Pricing immediately – on screen and straight to your inbox.
Why Bereavement Training Matters for Psychologists
Bereavement is one of life’s most significant psychological experiences, yet grief does not follow a single pattern or fit neatly within one theoretical framework. Psychologists are increasingly supporting clients whose grief is intertwined with trauma, identity, attachment, anxiety, depression, family relationships and meaning-making following loss.
Although psychological training provides strong foundations in formulation and therapeutic practice, many psychologists receive relatively little specialist education focused specifically on bereavement. Contemporary grief research has developed considerably beyond traditional stage-based theories, highlighting the importance of understanding the diverse ways people adapt to loss.
Specialist bereavement training can strengthen formulation skills, deepen understanding of grief models, increase confidence when working with complex presentations and introduce therapeutic approaches that can be integrated into existing clinical practice.
Common Bereavement Situations Psychologists Encounter
Psychologists may support clients experiencing:
- Bereavement alongside anxiety, depression or trauma.
- Complicated or prolonged grief responses.
- Guilt, shame and self-blame following loss.
- Traumatic or sudden bereavement.
- Cancer bereavement and anticipatory grief.
- Loss of identity, purpose or future plans.
- Family conflict following bereavement.
- Meaning-making and adjustment after loss.
Research exploring psychologists, psychiatrists and counsellors found deficits in professional grief training, with many practitioners relying more on personal and professional experience than contemporary grief research. Experts also identified a gap between research and clinical practice. – Dodd et al 2022
Did you know?
- Grief is a highly individual experience that cannot be fully explained by a single model or stage-based approach.
- Contemporary grief research increasingly recognises the importance of attachment, continuing bonds, meaning reconstruction and psychological flexibility.
- A stronger understanding of grief theory can support richer formulations and more personalised therapeutic interventions.
Start exploring your training options
Use this form to tell us a little about your training needs. You’ll receive our Training Brochure + Indicative Pricing immediately – on screen and straight to your inbox.
Our Bereavement Training for Psychologists
What you’ll learn
Our bereavement training helps psychologists expand their understanding of grief while strengthening therapeutic confidence.
You’ll explore topics including:
- Contemporary psychological models of grief.
- Formulating grief within clinical practice.
- Attachment, continuing bonds and meaning reconstruction.
- Compassion Focused Therapy in grief work.
- Recognising complicated grief presentations.
- Working with guilt, shame and self-criticism.
- Supporting anticipatory grief and traumatic loss.
- Integrating bereavement knowledge into therapeutic formulations.
Explore Our Bereavement Training Courses
Formulating Grief: Psychological Models
Explore contemporary theories of grief and develop a richer understanding of how different psychological models can inform assessment, formulation and intervention.
Ideal for: Psychologists wanting to deepen their theoretical understanding of bereavement.
“With its thoughtful blend of psychological models, inclusive group practices, and emphasis on facilitator wellbeing, this course is a comprehensive and supportive resource for those wishing to run grief support groups with confidence and care.”
– Dr Megan Hofmann (Clinical Psychologist)
Practising Compassion Focused Therapy in Grief Work
Explore how Compassion Focused Therapy can support clients experiencing guilt, shame, self-criticism and emotional suffering following bereavement.
Ideal for: Psychologists integrating compassion-focused approaches into grief work.
Your Grief Journey Workbook
A downloadable workbook designed to help bereaved people better understand their grief through psychoeducation, guided reflection and practical exercises.
Ideal for: Signposting to patients who may benefit from structured self-reflection alongside other sources of support.
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Product on sale
Your Grief Journey WorkbookOriginal price was: £15.00.£10.00Current price is: £10.00.
Why Choose The Loss Foundation?
The Loss Foundation is the UK’s only charity dedicated solely to supporting people bereaved by cancer.
Our training combines:
- Clinical psychology.
- Contemporary grief research.
- Practical therapeutic application.
- Real-world experience supporting bereaved people.
- Evidence-informed resources designed by specialists in grief and bereavement.
Rather than focusing solely on theory, our courses bridge research and practice, helping psychologists apply contemporary grief knowledge within therapeutic work.
Bereavement Training for Psychologists – FAQs
Yes. Our training is relevant for clinical, counselling, educational, health and assistant psychologists working with bereaved clients.
No. Whether bereavement forms a small part of your caseload or a significant area of your work, our courses provide valuable knowledge and practical insights.
Yes. All of the resources featured on this page are available online and can be completed at your own pace.
Yes. Our courses are developed by clinical psychologists and informed by contemporary grief research and practical clinical experience.
Yes. We also provide bespoke bereavement training for psychology departments, NHS services and organisations. Contact our team to learn more.
Related Training
You may also be interested in:
- Bereavement Training for Nurses
- Bereavement Training for Healthcare Professionals
- Bereavement Training for NHS Staff
- Bereavement Training for Midwives
- Bereavement Training for Palliative Care Staff
- Bereavement Training for Hospice Staff
Written and Reviewed by
Dr Erin Hope Thompson MBE
Founder, The Loss Foundation | Clinical Psychologist | Bereavement Specialist
This page has been written and clinically reviewed by Dr Erin Hope Thompson MBE, a Clinical Psychologist specialising in grief and bereavement.
Dr Thompson is the Founder of The Loss Foundation, the UK’s only charity dedicated solely to supporting people bereaved by cancer. She has spent nearly two decades supporting bereaved individuals, developing evidence-based bereavement services and training professionals across healthcare, charities and the wider community.
Last clinically reviewed: June 2026
