National University

General Course Information for BER601: Treatment of Bereavement

Course: BER601 - Treatment of Bereavement

Course Prerequisite(s):
Course Description: Provides skill development in assessment and treatment for complicated and uncomplicated bereavement. Topics include identification of complicated bereavement responses, anniversary reactions, attachment theories and coping styles, and risk factors leading to abnormal bereavement. Treatment options, including complementary practices, are explored. Learners will be able to develop an integrative treatment plan.
Course Learning Outcomes:
  • Define bereavement, mourning, and grief.
  • Describe the importance of tailoring treatment based on assessment data.
  • Identify uncomplicated bereavement responses.
  • Identify complicated bereavement responses.
  • Explain different attachment styles and how they relate to bereavement reactions
  • Describe the influences that can complicate the bereavement process.
  • Define and describe prolonged and complicated grief.
  • Describe the bereavement assessment process.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the important topics in an assessment of an individual presenting for bereavement counseling.
  • Explore the differences between other diagnoses usually misdiagnosed during the bereavement process.
  • Compare and contrast the similarities and differences between child/adolescent, adult, and elderly bereavement reactions.
  • Describe unique considerations of the bereavement reactions with disabled individuals, ambiguous loss, and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered) persons.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate traditional and alternative treatment interventions with the bereaved, including the use of basic communication skills.
  • Apply assessment and treatment to a theoretical case study.
  • Identify and explore his or her personal experiences with death, loss, and bereavement.
  • Describe the importance of self-care when working with the bereaved.

Students with Disabilities:

Writing Across the Curriculum:


National University Library:


Contact the Library:

  • (858) 541-7900 (direct line)
  • 1-866-NU ACCESS x7900 (toll free)


  • Recorded class presentations





