Seasons for Growth training is a professional development program that teaches adults how to facilitate the Seasons for Growth children’s and young people’s grief and loss education program. It is a structured, evidence-informed approach that uses the metaphor of the four seasons to help young people understand and manage the changes, loss, and grief in their lives.
Background and Origins
Seasons for Growth was developed in Australia in the mid-1990s by Professor Anne Graham and her colleagues at Southern Cross University, in collaboration with the Catholic Education Office of the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn. The program was designed to fill a gap in school-based support for children and young people who had experienced significant loss—such as parental separation, death of a loved one, family illness, or other major life changes. Since its inception, it has been delivered in thousands of schools and community settings across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and several other countries.
The program is based on research in grief and resilience, drawing on the work of psychologists such as William Worden and George Bonanno, and it aligns with the principles of positive psychology and social-emotional learning. It is not a therapy program; rather, it is an educational and peer-support initiative that helps young people build coping skills and develop a sense of hope and control.
How Seasons for Growth Training Works
Seasons for Growth training is typically a two-day (or sometimes three-day) face-to-face workshop, though some providers offer online or blended delivery. The training prepares adults—teachers, school counselors, youth workers, chaplains, and community volunteers—to run the Seasons for Growth program with small groups of children or young people. Participants learn the theoretical underpinnings of grief and loss, the structure of the program, and the facilitation skills needed to create a safe and supportive environment.
- Day 1: Covers the core concepts of loss and grief, the Seasons for Growth model, and the role of the facilitator. Participants explore their own experiences of loss, which is essential for developing empathy and self-awareness.
- Day 2: Focuses on practical facilitation skills, including how to run each session, manage group dynamics, and handle sensitive situations. Participants practice delivering activities and receive feedback.
- Follow-up: Many training providers offer ongoing support, such as refresher sessions, online resources, or a community of practice, to help facilitators stay confident and connected.
The training is highly experiential, with a strong emphasis on self-reflection and group discussion. It is not a lecture-based course; participants are expected to engage actively and to consider how their own experiences of loss might influence their facilitation.
Who Should Attend and How to Choose
Seasons for Growth training is suitable for anyone who works with children and young people in a supportive role. This includes teachers, school counselors, psychologists, social workers, youth group leaders, foster carers, and chaplains. There are no strict prerequisites, but a background in education, counseling, or youth work is beneficial. The training is particularly valuable for schools that want to build internal capacity to support students who have experienced loss.
When choosing a training provider, consider the following factors:
- Accreditation: Ensure the provider is licensed by the Seasons for Growth national or international office (e.g., Seasons for Growth Australia or MacKillop Family Services in some regions). This guarantees the training is faithful to the program model.
- Delivery mode: Decide whether you prefer in-person, online, or blended training. In-person training offers more opportunity for role-play and peer feedback, while online may be more accessible.
- Cost: Fees vary by provider and location. Typically, the cost includes the training manual, which is essential for running the program. Some providers offer discounts for multiple participants from the same organization.
- Refresher options: Ask about ongoing support and refresher training, as facilitation skills benefit from periodic updating.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
One common misconception is that Seasons for Growth is a grief counseling or therapy program. In fact, it is an educational program that uses a peer-support group model. The facilitator is not a therapist; they are a guide who helps participants explore their own experiences and learn coping strategies. This distinction is important because it means the program can be run by trained teachers or youth workers without a clinical background.
Another issue is that some people assume the program is only for children who have experienced a death. While death is one type of loss, the program covers a wide range of losses, including divorce, moving house, family illness, and even the loss of a pet. The program is also useful for children who have experienced multiple or ambiguous losses, which are often overlooked.
Facilitators sometimes worry about saying the wrong thing or making things worse. The training addresses this by teaching active listening skills, how to normalize grief reactions, and how to avoid common pitfalls like minimizing a child’s feelings or offering clichés. It also emphasizes the importance of self-care for facilitators, as working with grieving children can be emotionally demanding.
Comparison with Other Grief Education Programs
Seasons for Growth is often compared to other school-based grief programs, such as Rainbows (a peer-support program for children who have lost a parent through death or divorce) or the Good Grief Program. The key difference is that Seasons for Growth uses the metaphor of the four seasons to structure the content, which many children find intuitive and non-threatening. The program is also more flexible: it can be run in a variety of settings, not just schools, and it does not require a specific religious affiliation.
Another distinguishing feature is the emphasis on facilitator training. While some programs provide a manual that can be used with minimal training, Seasons for Growth requires attendance at a two-day training course. This ensures that facilitators are well-prepared and that the program is delivered consistently, which is a significant advantage in terms of quality control.
Costs and Logistics
The cost of Seasons for Growth training varies widely depending on the provider, location, and whether it is delivered in-person or online. In Australia, for example, a typical two-day training might cost between AUD 400 and AUD 700 per person. In the UK, prices are often in the range of GBP 200 to GBP 350. The fee usually includes the comprehensive facilitator manual, which is essential for running the program. Some providers also charge for certification or for access to online resources.
Training is often delivered at a central venue, but many providers offer on-site training for schools or organizations that want to train a whole team. This can be more cost-effective if you have a group of 8–12 participants. It is also worth asking about scholarships or subsidies, especially for community-based organizations.
Safety and Ethical Considerations
Seasons for Growth is designed to be a safe and supportive program, but facilitators must be aware of their responsibilities. The training covers key safety aspects, including:
- Confidentiality: Participants are encouraged to share only what they feel comfortable with, and facilitators must maintain confidentiality within the group.
- Mandatory reporting: Facilitators are required to follow their organization’s child protection policies. If a child discloses abuse or harm, the facilitator must act according to those policies.
- Referral pathways: The program is not a substitute for professional help. Facilitators should know how to refer a child to a counselor or other appropriate service if they are struggling significantly.
- Facilitator self-care: The training emphasizes the importance of facilitators looking after their own emotional well-being. It is recommended that facilitators do not run a group immediately after a personal loss.
It is also important to note that Seasons for Growth is not a crisis intervention program. If a child is in acute distress, they should receive immediate support from a qualified professional before being placed in a group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a counseling qualification to attend Seasons for Growth training?
No, you do not need a counseling qualification. The training is designed for teachers, youth workers, chaplains, and other adults who work with young people. However, you should have some experience in a supportive role with children or young people, and you should be comfortable with group facilitation.
How long does the training take and is it accredited?
The standard training is two days, though some providers offer a three-day version that includes additional practice. The training is accredited by the Seasons for Growth organization, and upon completion you will be certified to run the program. This certification is recognized by schools and agencies that use Seasons for Growth.
Can I run Seasons for Growth with just the manual, without training?
No. The training is a mandatory part of the program. The manual is not a standalone resource; it is designed to be used by trained facilitators. This is to ensure the program is delivered with fidelity and that facilitators have the necessary skills to handle the sensitive topics involved.
What age groups can I work with after training?
Seasons for Growth has different versions for different age groups: primary (approximately 6–12 years), junior secondary (12–15 years), and senior secondary (15–18 years). The training generally covers all age groups, but you can choose to focus on the one most relevant to your work.
Is there a refresher course or ongoing support?
Yes, many providers offer refresher sessions or online communities for trained facilitators. It is recommended that facilitators refresh their skills every few years, especially if they are not running groups regularly. Some providers also offer advanced training in specific areas, such as working with children with complex needs.
What if a child in my group needs more help than the program can provide?
Seasons for Growth is not a therapy program, so it is important to have referral pathways in place. The training will help you identify signs that a child may need additional support, and you should have a list of local counseling services or school psychologists to refer to. Always follow your organization’s child protection and referral policies.
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