Point Park University is launching an innovative approach in its funeral services program by incorporating emotional support training for students. The initiative aims to equip future funeral directors with the skills necessary to assist grieving families beyond traditional funeral arrangements. In collaboration with the Highmark Caring Place, a nonprofit center specializing in peer support for children and families facing grief, the university will train students on how to effectively support the entire family during difficult times.
Becky Spritz, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Point Park, highlighted the importance of involving children in the grieving process. “We have misconceptions about talking about grief with children, that it makes it worse or that it will make it harder,” she stated. Spritz, who holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, emphasized that understanding and including young individuals in funeral services can significantly aid their emotional development and coping strategies.
The partnership with the Highmark Caring Place will see staff providing specialized training as part of the curriculum focused on grieving children and families. Students will not only learn about the developmental aspects of grief but also engage in volunteer opportunities at the Caring Place’s facility in downtown Pittsburgh. This hands-on experience aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Comprehensive Training for Future Funeral Directors
The course will cover various topics, including the neurobiological processes of grief, cultural perspectives on death, and the evolving understanding of grief in children and adolescents. According to Spritz, the goal is to prepare students to offer holistic support that transcends the logistical facets of funeral services. “It’s a very unique role that a funeral director plays in the life and death of someone in a family,” she noted.
Catrice Moffett, program director at the Highmark Caring Place, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting its potential to raise awareness about the nonprofit’s free services. She pointed out that funeral directors are often the first line of support for families navigating their grief. “That grief process is actually only beginning during the funeral preparations,” Moffett explained. “So where do you point them and how do you be that funeral director that’s able to humanize this experience?”
The partnership seeks to cultivate a new generation of funeral directors who are not only skilled in handling funeral logistics but are also trained in emotional intelligence and mental health support. Moffett believes that the mental health skills students acquire will serve them both professionally and personally throughout their lives.
Shifting Perspectives in Funeral Services
Spritz expressed optimism about the potential impact of this collaboration on funeral practices in the region. She stated, “It’s really about giving back to the families. It’s about creating a powerful, meaningful experience.” The integration of mental health support into the funeral services curriculum represents a significant shift toward a more compassionate approach in the industry.
The initiative aligns with the growing recognition of the importance of mental health in various sectors, including funerals. As students from Point Park University graduate and enter the field, they will bring with them a newfound understanding of grief and support that could redefine the role of funeral directors in serving grieving families.
This innovative program at Point Park University highlights the evolving nature of funeral services, emphasizing the significance of emotional support in the grieving process. As the partnership with the Highmark Caring Place unfolds, it is expected to create a lasting impact on how funeral services are delivered, ultimately benefiting families during their most challenging times.
