FACILITATING GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS
AFTER SUICIDE OR SUBSTANCE-USE DEATH TRAINING
November 5 - 6, 2025
Six (6) CEUs
This two-day training provides a foundation for facilitating mutual-help grief support groups for those who have lost a loved one to suicide or substance-use death. The program will discuss characteristics of this unique type of loss, basic support-group facilitation and instruction to develop the skills helpful in addressing the needs of the bereaved in a support group. While this program does not cover clinical assessment or treatment, mental health professionals are welcome to attend. The training will use group discussion, interactive presentation and skill-building practice groups that employ role-playing to prepare the facilitators.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
• Funeral directors, clergy, mental health professionals and those who have been impacted by suicide or substance-use death who want to start a support group
• Current group facilitators who want to strengthen their skills, stay up to date on the latest practices and explore issues they have encountered while facilitating
• People who have endured this type of loss of a loved one at least two years prior are also welcome to attend
• Non-clinicians who have prior experience participating in a support group
GOALS OF TRAINING
• To train participants to organize and facilitate support groups for those bereaved by the death of a loved one from suicide or substance-use
• To strengthen participants’ awareness of the impact of a suicide or substance-use death
• To build participants’ group facilitation skills
• To enhance participants’ self-awareness and self-care skills
YOUR TRAINER
Joanne L. Harpel, MPhil, JD
TRAINING AGENDA
• DAY 1: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Lunch and dinner included
• DAY 2: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Breakfast and lunch included
Please Note:
• The dress is casual. This is an active, participant-driven training. We want you to be comfortable.
• If you have questions, contact Kelly Deitz at kelly@nysfda.org or 518-452-8230.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Registration fee includes lunch and dinner on Day 1, continental breakfast and lunch on Day 2.
COST
- NYSFDA Member: $50.00 per person
- Non-Member: $100 per person
This training is offered at a substantial discount thanks to the generous support of the NYS Tribute Foundation.
LOCATION
New York State Funeral Directors Association Headquarters
1 South Family Drive
Albany, NY 12203
NEARBY LODGING
- Hilton Garden Inn - (518) 464-6666
- Hotel Trilogy Albany Airport - (518) 869-9100
- Crowne Plaza Albany - The Desmond Hotel - (518) 869-8100
This training has been approved by the NYS Department of Health, Bureau of Funeral Directing for 6 CEUs.