When someone experiences a significant loss—such as bereavement, divorce, miscarriage, or loss of employment—the impact often extends far beyond the individual. Grief can stir a wide range of emotions, and knowing how to offer meaningful support can make a profound difference. Training in grief support helps you understand what to say, how to care, and how to walk alongside someone as they navigate a changed world.

About the Workshop

The NALAG Introduction to Loss & Grief workshop series is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and confidence to support people who are grieving. Throughout the workshop, you will:

• Reflect on your own experiences of loss and past grief reactions

• Explore the landscape of grief through contemporary theories and models

• Learn practical strategies to support others with compassion and confidence

This workshop is delivered online in an interactive, experiential format that encourages self‑reflection and skill development.

Volunteering with NALAG

Upon completing this workshop, participants are welcome to apply to become a NALAG Grief Support Volunteer. The application process includes a suitability assessment and additional training before commencing any client work. If you feel called to support others and can offer your time as a volunteer, please contact us on 02 6882 9222 for more information.

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is open to anyone in the community. It is particularly valuable for those involved in caring or support roles, including:

• Counsellors, psychologists, social workers

• Nurses, palliative care practitioners

• Teachers, pastoral care workers, chaplains, clergy

• Funeral directors

• Welfare and community workers

• Students in helping professions

• Volunteers and anyone supporting others through loss

Organisations can also book this workshop exclusively for their staff. Please contact NALAG to discuss requirements, dates, and pricing.

Workshop Program

Session 1: What is Grief? Session 2: Models and Theories of Grief Session 3: How to Support Session 4 (Volunteer Training Only): Communication, Skills Practice, Personal Loss & Self‑Care

Workshop Aims

This workshop aims to build participants’ understanding of normal grief and increase their confidence and competence in supporting others through significant loss—whether in a personal or professional context.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will have:

• A clear understanding of the landscape of grief and different types of loss

• Recognised normal grief reactions and diverse grieving styles

• Explored mediators of mourning and the role of attachment in bereavement

• Examined contemporary grief theories and models used by NALAG

• Identified effective support strategies and communication skills for grief support

Training Style

This is an online, interactive workshop. The course is experiential, inviting participants to reflect on their own experiences of loss as part of the learning process.

About the Presenter

Amy Welbourne – Grief Support Educator & Lead Counsellor Amy Welbourne is a registered counsellor with the Australian Counsellors Association (ACA MCOS 29916) and serves as an Educator and Lead Counsellor for NALAG Grief Support. She brings extensive experience from child and youth mental health services, schools, and private practice. Amy has a strong interest in child and adolescent grief, loss, and family therapy. She is currently the only counsellor in Australia trained in Trauma & Grief Component Therapy for Adolescents (TGCTA), completed through the Trauma & Grief Center in Houston, Texas.