Grief is an experience that people will encounter sometime in their lifetime. As a result of the number losses due to HIV/AIDS, cancer, or Veteran’s returning home from war with disabilities, and impact daily life experiences and transactions, the request for grief counselling or counsellors who are competent in working with grieving clients will be on the rise. Therefore, the need for grief counsellors or counsellors who are competent in working with clients that are experiencing grief is also on the rise (Marshall, 2006; Papa, Neria, & Litz, 2008).
Collier (2011) stated that 10-15% of individuals struggle to adjust to the loss of a loved one. Howarth (2011) stated that the lack of effective grief counselling may have negative consequences for a client such as their grief reactions becoming more painful and debilitating. According to Neimeyer and Currier (2009), many people deal with debilitating grief that prevents them from having joy or purpose in their lives and that leaves them unable to engage in positive opportunities or relationships. The rational for this proposal is for attendees to examine their own perceptions of if they have been adequately trained in identifying clients’ presenting grief issues, and in providing grief counselling to clients in need.
Grief is an individual’s unique journey; however, race, ethnicity, gender, disability/ability, socioeconomic status, marital status, religious preference, culture, geographic location, and/or age will be discussed on how it may contribute to the grieving process. Addressing diversity and acknowledging diversity is an important component in grief integration.