Welcome to Southwestern College’s unique program in Counseling with a concentration in Grief, Loss and Trauma. This master’s program combines experiential and introspective approaches to learning and understanding issues on transitional loss, death and dying. If you are interested in applying to the program, visit our online Admissions Office for program requirements and details on the admissions process.

“It is exciting that we are now learning how transformative it can be to address issues of grief and loss. At the same time, we are given new opportunities in this field to improve end of life care and extend counseling services to disenfranchised groups and the elderly.” Janet Schreiber, Ph.D. Profile

Southwestern College’s MA in Counseling With a Concentration in Grief, Loss and Trauma

• Curriculum and Degree prepare graduates for state licensure
• 96 quarter units (equivalent to 64 semester units)
• Both practicum and internship experience
• Full-time two year program; part-time program also available
• Experiential learning including self-reflection and application of theory
• Strong sense of community within our college setting

The program is designed to prepare students to be professional counselors with a specialty in grief, loss and trauma. The curriculum includes therapeutic care for the dying and their caregivers, as well as grief counseling during times of life transition, loss and trauma. Hospice philosophy and practice are also explored and integrated in the studies.

Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, renowned author and teacher in grief and loss, has endorsed this program.

Faculty has an eclectic approach, including cultural and spiritual perspectives on grief and loss and how they influence the therapeutic process. Southwestern College prepares counseling students in this program with the theoretical background, facilitation skills and character strength to practice in:

• Clinical settings: assessing client needs and developing and implementing treatment plans to enable clients to heal and integrate the experience of loss, and working with the chronically and terminally ill, their families and survivors
• Community settings: assisting individuals in effectively working with grief, loss and trauma;                                                                                  
•  Hospice settings: developing bereavement programs and follow-up systems for hospice clients and families

Degree students join with Dr. Janet Schreiber, program director, in outreach to the Santa Fe community through programs that address grief, loss and trauma issues such as Santa Fe Word Out and Caring Can Be Shared.