Forgiveness has become a topic of interest in mental health writing, particularly in trauma therapy. But in practice, when people have suffered from interpersonal trauma, frequently from those they trusted most, forgiveness can be easier said than done. This session focuses on forgiveness in trauma therapy and examines the ways it is often a double-edged sword. Sometimes helpful and sometimes not. We’ll look at topics such as rushed forgiveness and how it affects trauma clients. We’ll look at apologies and their helpful role in authentic forgiveness. We’ll look at how it can be useful for trauma survivors to view forgiveness as a process, and how to help them do that. Last, the workshop will consider self-forgiveness, and how often in trauma therapy, therapists and clients struggle to forgive themselves. In this session, clinical material will be used to illustrate concepts, and listeners will be invited to participate.
This session is geared toward mental health students and practitioners with an interest in trauma, complex trauma, psychotherapy, and counseling.