Certification in Bereavement Trauma

Bereavement is the state of loss when someone close to an individual has died. The death of a loved one is one of the greatest sorrows that can occur in one's life. People's responses to grief will vary depending upon the circumstances of the death, but grief is a normal, healthy response to loss. Feelings of bereavement can also accompany other losses, such as the decline of one's health or the health of a close other, or the end of an important relationship.

Trauma is the experience of severe psychological distress following any significant event that resulted in real or perceived life-threatening event, witnessing a life threatening and/or traumatic situation and or learning of a loved one or close friend being exposed to a traumatic situation. Sufferers can develop emotional disturbances such as extreme anxiety, anger, sadness, survivor’s guilt, or PTSD. They may experience ongoing problems with sleep or physical pain, encounter turbulence in their personal and professional relationships, and feel a diminished sense of self-worth due to the overwhelming amount of stress.

Bereavement trauma is defined as the trauma that individuals experience following the loss of a loved one, friend or significant other due to a traumatic event (e.g., murder, significant illness, war). The response to the loss is outside the usual response to loss and normal grieving and involves a traumatic stress response.

The Certification in Bereavement Trauma falls under the Academy Certification Programs in Traumatic Stress Specialities.  Professionals applying for Certification in Bereavement Trauma need to document their knowledge, experience, education and training in the area of bereavement trauma. Resumes should include relevant information in each of these areas and supporting documentation should be included with each application.