This course explores the history and key theories of grief, helping participants understand how our view of grief has developed over time. It covers Freud’s early ideas, Kübler-Ross’s five stages of grief, and newer approaches focusing on continuing connections and growth after trauma.

Participants will learn about important grief theories, including Freud’s ideas about inner conflict, Kübler-Ross’s stages, and Bowlby and Parkes’s view of grief as a complex, non-linear process. The course also looks at critiques and updates to these theories, expanding our understanding of grief.

The course will teach participants how to apply these theories in real-world settings, emphasizing the need for personalized grief support. It will also explore new perspectives on grief, offering fresh insights on how to help people cope with loss. Participants will gain skills to critically assess different grief theories and use them effectively in their work.

Course Instructors

Kathy Couch LCSW, FT, EMDR Consultant

Kathy founded Rewired360, a EMDR Consulting/Training business and Willow Creek Counseling, an EMDR therapy business. Certifications are held with EMDRIA as a EMDR Certified Therapist/Approved Consultant, and a Fellow in Thanatology with the Association of Death Education and Counseling, and is a Level 2 trained Gottman Institute clinician.

Kathy has 10 years of teaching experience at Boise State University, with specializations in in program evaluation, research and small business development. Specialties include areas of death, grief, bereavement, couples, and has experience with addiction, child welfare, probation and parole, TF-CBT, substance abuse and domestic violence. She regularly provides EMDR and Couples Intensives and lives in Twin Falls, Idaho with her family daughter, twin boys and family dogs.

Stephanie Pearce LCSW, FT, PMH-C 

EMDR Consultant In Training

Stephanie Pearce is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in PA & NJ. She obtained her MSW from Rutgers University in 2002 & has worked in the social work field for 23 years in settings ranging from a family crisis unit to an outpatient setting. Ms. Pearce currently facilities a private practice in the Pocono, PA area that customizes services for individuals & couples impacted by grief & loss across the life span, maternal mood disorders, reproductive trauma, developmental trauma & infertility.

Ms. Pearce is a certified EMDR therapist, certified in Brainspotting, a certified perinatal mental health professional & a certified grief informed professional. She is passionate about participating in ongoing learning & is awaiting her Thanatology professional certification exam results.
She enjoys working with students in the academic environment. Ms. Pearce also works as an adjunct instructor through Grand Canyon University, as well as supporting students in their social work field work programs through Marywood University. She facilitates CEU trainings for the Nurturing Mamas Network & for NASW-PA.

Stephanie enjoys hiking with her family including an energetic rescue dog. She is a lifelong NY Jets & Mets fan.