Module 7 – Working with Specific Populations
Grief is a universal experience that affects all human beings, regardless of their age, culture or life situation. However, some populations may experience grief in a specific way, due to their stage of development, particular circumstances or social taboo surrounding their loss. As a GRIEF COACH, it is essential to understand and know how to support these populations, in order to provide them with support tailored to their unique needs.
In this module, we will explore the challenges and issues of grief coaching with four specific populations: children and adolescents, the elderly, individuals with severe illness or in terminal phase, and people bereaved by suicide. Each of these populations requires a particular approach and skills, which take into account their own developmental characteristics, resources and vulnerabilities.
We will discuss the specifics of grief in children and adolescents, based on their age and level of understanding of death. We will explore tools and techniques suitable to support them in their journey, such as play, drawing or storytelling, while involving their family and school environment. We will also see how grief can affect the elderly, combining with losses related to aging and social isolation. We will reflect on ways to support them in their search for meaning and transmission, valuing their experience and wisdom.
We will also look at the support for individuals with serious illness or in terminal phase, who are experiencing anticipatory grief of their own life and their projects. We will explore the existential and spiritual issues raised by these situations, as well as ways to support loved ones in their parallel grief. Finally, we will discuss the delicate issue of grief following suicide, taking into account the taboo and stigma often surrounding this death. We will reflect on ways to welcome the complex emotions of bereaved people, such as guilt, anger or shame, while helping them to find resources and suitable support.
Throughout this module, we will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to offer respectful and effective support to these specific populations. We will learn to adapt our coaching posture and tools, according to the needs and resources of each person. We will also reflect on our own representations and emotions in face of these situations, in order to develop an authentic and compassionate presence among our clients.
By exploring these different facets of grief, we will broaden our understanding of the diversity of loss and grief experiences. We will develop greater sensitivity and flexibility in our coaching practice, adjusting to the pace and needs of each person. In doing so, we will be able to offer truly personalized and meaningful support, which allows each person to move towards resilience and growth, from their unique situation.
