How to Become a Grief Counselor

Grief can be all consuming for many and finding a grief counselor can often provide a large amount of support. For those who wish to become a support system for those in need, grief counseling can be a beautiful field to join. You can offer anything from individual therapy to group support for those who have lost someone, depending on the path you choose to go down. This article aims to give you a brief guide on how to become a grief counselor for those who wish to pursue the career either with or without a degree.

How do you become a certified grief counselor?

Grief is a universal experience—but not everyone is equipped to help others navigate its emotional terrain. Certified grief counselors fill a vital role, offering compassionate, informed support to those in mourning. Whether you have a formal degree or are entering from another background, there are paths you can take to become certified in this meaningful work. Here’s how to become a grief counselor with or without a degree.

For those who wish to pursue a degree in counseling

If you already hold a degree (especially in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field) or you want to get a degree—your path to certification can be straightforward.

Step 1: Obtain a relevant degree (usually required)

Most professional grief counseling certifications expect at the very least, a bachelor’s degree, in one of the following areas:

• Counseling
• Psychology
• Social Work
• Nursing
• Pastoral Care
• Marriage & Family Therapy

Some programs may require a master's, while others accept a bachelor’s if paired with experience. You’ll need to check with the program in question, but in most cases it’s advisable to pursue a master’s degree (especially if you wish to get licensed as a therapist in a state).

Step 2: Get experience with grief and loss

Hands-on experience (through work, internships, or supervised hours) with grieving individuals is often required. Many degree programs include (and/or require) hands-on experience working as a therapist to others. Many programs let you choose where you’d like to do this volunteer work, so make sure to choose grief work if this is what you’re interested in.

Step 3: Choose a grief counselor certification program

Once you’ve earned a master’s degree and are either pre-licensed or licensed, it can be helpful to consider specialization and certification. While certification isn’t necessary in many states, getting a certificate in grief therapy can be incredibly helpful. Respected organizations that offer grief counseling certification include:

• American Academy of Grief Counseling (AAGC): Offers multiple certification levels for professionals in healthcare, mental health, or ministry.

• Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC): Offers the Certified Thanatologist (CT) or Fellow in Thanatology (FT) for professionals working with death, dying, and bereavement.

• Center for Loss and Life Transition: Offers training under grief expert Dr. Alan Wolfelt, with a focus on companioning rather than clinical diagnosis.

Step 4: Complete training and pass an exam (if required)

Most certification programs involve:

• Coursework (online or in-person)
• Case study or clinical hours
• A final exam or application portfolio

Make sure you check out the program’s requirements, curriculum and culture before signing up for one.

Step 5: Maintain certification

You may need to complete continuing education or renew your certification periodically. This is important to ask the institutions you’re considering pursuing a certification with.

For those without a degree

Don’t have a formal degree? You may still pursue certification, especially for peer support, coaching, or non-clinical grief work. It’s important to know that there are certain roles you will not be able to pursue without a degree (such as a therapist or clinician). It’s also important to remember that a grief counselor’s salary for one without a degree is significantly lower than for one with a degree.

Step 1: Determine your role

Without a degree, you can’t become a licensed therapist, but you can often work as:

• A grief coach
• A peer counselor
• A bereavement support group facilitator
• A volunteer or community grief worker

Step 2: Choose a non-clinical certification program

Look for programs that accept applicants without a college degree and emphasize practical, emotional support skills. Some options include:

• International Grief Institute: Offers grief support certification for coaches, clergy, funeral staff, and others with lived experience.

• Certification in Thanatology](https://www.adec.org/page/Earn_Certification) (Basic Level): Some programs allow non-degree holders to certify if they have relevant experience or training.

• Grief Recovery Institute: Offers a certification program to become a Grief Recovery Method Specialist—great for those with lived experience in grief but no clinical background.

Step 3: Complete the training

Programs typically include:

• Online or live classes (ranging from a few days to several weeks)
• Training in grief theory, listening skills, and emotional support
• A certificate of completion for non-licensed roles

Step 4: Start practicing (within your scope)

You can begin working in your chosen field now that you’ve gained some certification. Consider:

• Leading grief support groups
• Offering one-on-one peer coaching
• Volunteering in hospices, schools, or community centers

Note: Without a license or clinical degree, you can’t offer therapy or diagnose disorders—but your support still matters deeply.

Becoming a certified grief counselor—whether through a clinical or coaching path—requires empathy, dedication, and ongoing learning. Your lived experience, education, or professional background can all be assets as you step into this vital role.

How to find grief counselor jobs

Whether you’re newly certified, a licensed therapist specializing in bereavement, or a grief support facilitator, the next step is finding meaningful work. Grief counselor roles are available in a variety of settings, from hospitals and hospices to private practice, schools, and faith communities.

Here’s how to strategically search for and land a job as a grief counselor:

1. Know the types of grief counseling jobs

Before you begin applying, it’s helpful to understand the kinds of roles available and which ones align with your credentials and goals.

Clinical/Professional Roles (require a license or degree)

These positions typically require a degree and professional licensure (e.g., LPC, LMFT, LCSW):

• Hospitals or hospices (e.g., bereavement coordinator, grief counselor)
• Mental health clinics (as part of trauma, loss, or end-of-life therapy teams)
• Private practice (as an independent therapist or under supervision)
• Schools or universities (support for students experiencing loss)
• Employee assistance programs (EAPs) (company-provided confidential space for employees to work through emotional issues)

Non-clinical/support roles (great for non-degree holders)

If you're not a licensed therapist, these support-based roles can still offer a fulfilling way to help grieving individuals:

• Churches or faith communities – Offer spiritual and emotional support to grieving members through pastoral care, prayer, and community gatherings.

• Funeral homes (grief care coordinator) – Provide follow-up support to families after services, including check-ins, resources, and organizing memorial events or grief groups.

• Nonprofits (support group facilitator, outreach coordinator) – Facilitate peer-led grief groups or manage outreach efforts to connect bereaved individuals with available resources and programs.

• Community centers – Host or coordinate local support groups, workshops, or wellness programs that provide connection and comfort to grieving community members.

• Online coaching (if certified as a grief coach or peer specialist) – Guide individuals through their grief journeys virtually by offering structured support, coping tools, and compassionate listening.

2. Search on targeted job boards

Once you know what role you’re aiming for, the next step is knowing where to look. General job boards are helpful, but industry-specific sites often list more relevant openings.

Where to look:

Start your job search with these trusted websites:

• Hospice Foundation of America (job board)
• ADEC (Association for Death Education and Counseling)
• National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
• Idealist.org (nonprofit roles)
• PsychologyJobs.com
• TherapyDen, TherapyTribe, or GoodTherapy (if licensed)
• Indeed, LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter (use specific keywords like “grief counselor,” “bereavement specialist,” “hospice social worker”)

3. Leverage your certification organization

Your certification program isn’t just a credential—it’s also a networking hub and job resource. Many organizations offer member perks that can help you land a job. Reach out to your program or school and see what options there are for networking opportunities.

4. Network in the field

Networking is powerful—especially in a field as personal and relationship-driven as grief work. Here are practical ways to build professional connections:

• Join organizations like ADEC or other thanatology associations
• Attend grief-related workshops, trainings, or conferences
• Volunteer with hospices, grief camps, or local nonprofits to gain experience and contacts
• Build relationships with therapists, funeral directors, or chaplains who may refer clients

5. Consider creating your own role

If job listings are limited or you want more flexibility, you might consider building your own practice or service. Here are a few creative ways to do that:

• Offer grief coaching online (if not licensed as a therapist)
• Launch support groups in libraries, churches, or local nonprofits
• Create a blog, podcast, or workshop series to raise awareness and build your reputation
• Apply to speak at grief conferences or community events

Grief counseling is a deeply needed profession—but often an under-publicized one. With some persistence and creativity, you can find (or create) a role that honors your training and passion for helping others navigate loss.

Ever Loved offers a grief forum for folks to gather, get support, and connect with others who have experienced a loss. You can find support from others and share your own personal experiences with grief by visiting the Grief Center.

Grief support