Description
035: Helping Counselees Forgive Others
Everett Worthington, Jr., Ph.D.
Virginia Commonwealth University
Department of Psychology
Box 842018
Richmond, VA 23284
Summary
Many Christian and non-Christian clients want to forgive others because their unforgiveness bothers them (for everyone), and (for Christians) their Christian beliefs and values make this a grateful response to God, who forgave them. Clinical scientific studies show that forgiveness involves a decision and an emotional transformation. Worthington’s REACH Forgiveness intervention (for forgiving others) has more than 30 randomized controlled trials supporting its effectiveness. It has been taught in groups, do-it-yourself workbooks, online, with couples, in sermons, Christian education, and community awareness-raising efforts in colleges and churches. In this practical workshop, you will learn how to use these interventions effectively in your practice, even when you do not have much time to work specifically on forgiveness. As a mental health professional, you will also learn how to be an invaluable resource in local congregations to help parishioners become more forgiving people.
Learning Objectives
Participants will:
• Apply the steps in helping patients achieve decision-based forgiveness of others
• Demonstrate the evidence-based REACH Forgiveness model to help counselees forgive others for use in psychological practice
• Evaluate ways to be involved with church leadership in creating an evidence-based deep dive into forgiveness
