A pilot study on specialized grief therapy training and its impact on Israeli therapists’ perceived competence in addressing the aftermath of October 7

This research was conducted within an emergency training program following the events of October 7, 2023, and examined whether a specialized course improved therapists' perceived competence in treating traumatic grief. Relationships between death anxiety, prior knowledge, and perceived competence were assessed using a mixed-methods design. Quantitative data were collected through a quasi-experimental within-subjects approach with 158 therapists, 47 of whom completed pretest-posttest. The Grief Counseling Experience and Training Survey, Grief Counseling Competency Scale, and Death Anxiety Scale, were used as measures. Qualitative data were gathered through structured interviews with 26 participants. Results showed that the training significantly increased therapists' perceived competence and perceived ability to manage grief-related cases. Participants reported gains in knowledge, skills, and emotional and personal growth. Findings highlight the value of integrating cognitive and emotional components in training and suggest that a structured program may contribute to strengthening therapists' perceived competence when working with traumatic grief.