To help participants in the program with continued opportunities to interact and share with instructors, fellow students and graduates, the following forums and services are available:
Coaching and Mentoring Sessions After Each Class
These are 60-90 minute sessions held via telephone with the class instructor after every class.
For classes in which there is more than one instructor, students choose which instructor they wish to work with for the coaching/mentoring session.
The instructor will have read the Written Class Review before the session and will offer feedback including:
- Validation and discussion of specific areas of strength
- Suggestions and discussion of areas that may need further development. Clear, detailed suggestions for any changes, shifts or corrections that may be needed regarding the perception and/or application of the class material as presented in the Written Class Review will be provided.
The student is encouraged to discuss issues such as the following during the session:
- Your personal insights regarding your written review
- What seems most significant to you about your learning
- Any questions or further comments about your experience and content of the class
- Any issues for which you may want or need support
- Ways in which you anticipate how the class experience and content will be helpful for you in supporting clients
- Any cases or client experiences you may want to discuss
- Career counseling as requested
Overall, these sessions provide personal time with instructors to review issues specific to a given class, as well as general questions, concerns, cases, career/private practice issues, etc. which a student may want to discuss far beyond what is possible during class time.
Coaching/mentoring sessions must be completed no later than four months after live attendance or on demand purchase of a class. All information shared in your written review and in the phone discussion is kept in strict confidence.
50% Discount Classes
All graduates of the program are eligible for 50% off classes after completing all requirements for certification. This includes any classes already offered in the program that the student did not take as one of their electives, and all future classes offered by Teresa Wagner for this program and separate from this program.
A Private, Confidential Facebook Group
This private, “secret” Facebook Page was created to provide a safe place for informal, mutual support and a place to stay in touch for students and graduates of the program. No one from the public can enter this page to view it or post on it. Only personally invited individuals have access to the page. Members are free to post and share images, ideas, and stories; to ask for suggestions or help; to contribute support, suggestions or help to others; and to share their own web site information, products and services.
Continuing Education Presentations
Held a few times per year with new guest speakers or instructors from the program. Approximately 90 minutes with time for questions and discussion. This is an opportunity for students and graduates of the program to have access to continuing education without a fee. These presentations are also often open to the public for a fee but are available at no charge to students.
Private Practice Circles
These provide program students and graduates an opportunity to continue practicing with one another on an informal basis to continue skill building and to receive supportive feedback from a peer—without the pressure of review from an instructor. They are encouraged to record the sessions, listen and type up their own “counselor responses” to continue to build self-awareness of areas of strengths and areas in need of development. Private coaching and mentoring to review the practices, for those who may want it, is available at the discounted rates.
Graduation Ceremonies:
When a program participant has completed all requirements for the program, we hold a “Graduation Celebration” via conference line to honor the graduate. They have an opportunity to talk about their experiences in the classes and program, their work, their plans, to share photos of their work place, their animals, etc. A copy of their Certificate of Completion is shared in the private Facebook group. Everyone on the conference line can congratulate the graduate and talk with them about their work and experiences. All current and past program students, instructors and the Board of Advisors are invited.
Annual Celebration of Life Gathering
This gathering is to provide the students and graduates an opportunity to share stories of their loss, grief and healing journeys regarding the loved ones they have lost. Grief support counselors spend a great deal of time supporting their clients and those around them. This gathering is a time to honor them, giving them a chance to be heard and held in compassion and love as they do for others.