Title – Grief Counseling

By – Denise Humphries

Primary Subject – Other

Grade Level – 9-12

Concept/Topic to Teach:

• Stages of Grief
• Understanding and Expressing Grief
• Exploring Support

General Goal:

To help students who have experienced a loss in their life to better understand feelings, anticipate possible emotions and seek support for themselves.

Specific Objectives:

1. To share with one another losses experienced.
2. Gain an understanding of the stages of grief.
3. Explore support systems and groups.

Required Materials:

• Poster board for sharing feelings and types of loss
• Kubler-Ross Stages of Grief
• Community resources for support

Anticipatory Set:

Begin lesson by brainstorming different types of loss and emotions experienced.

Step-By-Step Procedures:

1. Brainstorm (list on poster board) different types of losses and emotions
2. Explain and discuss Kubler-Ross Stages of Grief

   Kubler-Ross Stages of Grief

   Denial Anger Bargaining Depression Acceptance

3. Write a journal of how the student views themselves during each of these stages
4. Discuss possible support systems in the community (option – bring a representative in to present)
5. Write a journal of which support options best suit the student or issues they may perceive with certain types of support.

Plan for independent practice:

• Plan a group to meet after school one day a week and participate in active grief counseling.
• Offer referrals to specific community agencies and programs that assist activities focused on grief counseling.

Closure:

• Allow time for feedback from students regarding where they see themselves in the stages of grief and discuss.
• Discuss hope and future plan in healing from their loss.

Assessment Based on Objectives:

• Students may complete a brief evaluation from the lesson.
• Journals may also be assessed to fulfill objectives and goals (with permission from students).

Adaptations:

• Open discussion
• Large print on poster board
• Small group settings
• No time restraints

Extensions:

• Research on other stages of grief.
• Prepare a comparison of Kubler-Ross Stages of Grief with other’s interpretations.

Possible Connection To Other Subjects:

Other related counseling issues (variety of physical, emotional and mental symptoms stemming from losses).

E-Mail

Denise Humphries

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