Forgiveness can be a strong healing tool in psychotherapy, but it brings benefits and difficulties that both therapists and clients must work through. Forgiving can free a person from the weight of resentment and anger and bring peace and emotional well-being.
Studies link forgiveness to lower depression and anxiety and better mental health overall. Clients who work through hurt and betrayal often regain a sense of control over their lives. The path is not free of obstacles, though. Some clients cannot release deep grievances because they believe forgiving means excusing the harmful behavior.
Social and cultural beliefs about forgiveness add further complications. Therapists need to proceed carefully, offering a safe space for clients to voice emotions while guiding them to see the subtleties of forgiveness. Handled thoughtfully, forgiveness can open the door to deep change and healing within the therapy relationship.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Describe the clinical benefits of integrating forgiveness into counseling.
- Explain the challenges surrounding the use of forgiveness.
- Utilize forgiveness to deepen client healing.
- Design forgiveness practices with clients.
Syllabus:
Introduction
Objective #1: Describe the clinical benefits of integrating forgiveness into counseling
- Decreased anxiety
- Decreased depression
- Decreased stress
- Physical improvements
Objective #2: Explain the challenges surrounding the use of forgiveness
- Guilt
- Excusing the offender
- Excusing the offense
Objective #3: Utilize forgiveness to deepen client healing
- Rituals
- Letters
- Reconciliation
- Evaluating outcomes
Objective #4: Design forgiveness practices with clients
- Relevance to presenting issue
- Co-creation of the treatment plan
- Ethics of collaboration
- Being trauma-informed
Summary/Final Questions
Social workers completing this course receive 2 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 hours of Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Dreya Blume, LCSW
Recording Date: March 26, 2025
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 2hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com