The Psychology of Interpersonal Forgiveness and Guidelines for Forgiveness Therapy: What Therapists Need to Know to Help Their Clients Forgive

In recent years, forgiveness research, education, and therapy have received a great deal of theoretical and empirical attention. Past research illustrates the potential benefits of and interest in forgiveness therapy (Enright & Fitzgibbons, 2000; Legaree, Turner, & Lollis, 2007). Misunderstandings and misconceptions about what it means to forgive are linked to criticism aimed at the use of forgiveness therapy and education. The 3-fold purpose of the current study is to explain the value of forgiveness as a therapeutic approach, address misconceptions of forgiveness and forgiveness therapy, and describe a model of forgiveness that has been used effectively with a variety of populations.