Paving a Way to Forgiveness

One of the most difficult challenges clients may face is forgiving someone who has hurt or betrayed them. Although forgiving can lessen the grip of the hurt and reduce a client’s anxiety, depression and substance use, clients may be conflicted about forgiveness. Does the transgressor deserve forgiveness? Are some transgressions not unforgivable? Is forgiveness really necessary to move on with life?

Similarly, therapists might ask themselves whether there are limits to forgiveness, whether forgiving could be to a client’s detriment, and whether forgiveness is really necessary for healing to take place? Even when forgiveness is likely to be beneficial, new questions arise. How can the client forgive? Are there evidence-based interventions promoting forgiveness?

This training session will address all of these questions. As a crucial first step, it will explain what forgiveness is and what it is not. The session will then explore: the advantages as well as potential costs of forgiveness; barriers to forgiveness; models of forgiveness; and effective interventions that encourage forgiveness. Examples will be drawn from developmental, family, work and relationship contexts.

The session will include: (1) definitions and models of forgiveness; (2) benefits and limitations of forgiveness; (3) steps and barriers to forgiveness; (4) case studies and examples from a variety of settings; (5) a resource kit with tools that can be used in-session with a client or as homework assignments; and (6) experiential application of these tools during the training session.

    “Forgive others not because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace.” (Jonathan Lockwood Huie)

“Renata’s enthusiasm, attention to detail, going over and beyond expectations made it an absolute pleasure.”

“Excellent course and thoroughly enjoyed it.”

“Renata has a warm and friendly style and was professional and engaging. She clearly knows her stuff on Positive Psychology. It was great to hear real life examples as well as the video segments of positive psychology in action.”

“The day was well paced and informative with skills and awareness I can use in my work with clients and in my own personal life. I enjoyed the interactive activities discussed and the video."

“Renata’s enthusiasm makes such a difference to the training. She is a very knowledgeable and positive trainer.

“Thank you, today was very engaging, practical and informative, really clear and I will apply it to my practice.”

“Renata was very encouraging of us to ask questions and engaging with her knowledge in that way was fantastic and contributed to everyone’s learning. Just great!”

“The enthusiasm, knowledge on this subject and in general an engaging teaching ability made this an enjoyable and valuable training. Thank you!”

“Renata’s knowledge and experience is impressive! She was well prepared, approachable and helpful throughout.”