Forgiveness: A Double-Edged Sword in Trauma Therapy

Abstract
Forgiveness has become a popular topic in mental health writing. Myriad specialists call individuals to its highroad. But in practice, when people have suffered from interpersonal trauma, often at the hands of those they trusted most, forgiveness can be easier said than done. This webinar will take a detailed look at forgiveness in trauma therapy and consider the ways in which it serves as a double-edged sword. Sometimes helpful and necessary, sometimes not. Participants will examine such topics as rushed forgiveness and how it affects trauma clients. This presentation will look at apologies and their role in authentic forgiveness. Participants will consider how it can be helpful for clients to view forgiveness as a process, rather thana virtue. Finally, the workshop will address self-forgiveness, and how sometimes in trauma work, clients and therapists struggle to forgive themselves. Throughout the webinar, clinical material will be used to illustrate concepts, and participants will be invited to share. This webinar will be of interest to all mental health students and practitioners with an interest in trauma, counselling, or psychotherapy.

This session was originally presented as a live webinar in July 2021.

Potential to Distress: Yes (Mild)

Target Audience

Intermediate

Learning Objectives

Upon Completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Distinguish between authentic forgiveness and rushed forgiveness
  • Identify the process of forgiveness in trauma therapy
  • Outline the role of apology in the forgiveness process
  • Recognize the role of self-forgiveness in trauma work
  • Apply concepts learned into practice
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 2.00 APA
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
  • 2.00 ASWB ACE
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), #1744, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. ISSTD maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 08/20/2021 – 08/20/2024. Social workers completing this course receive 2.00 continuing education credits.
  • 2.00 ISSTD Certificate Program
    This program is eligible for 2.00 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program.
Course opens: 
11/19/2021
Course expires: 
12/31/2050
ISSTD Member cost:
$35.00
Your Price:
$55.00
Part of: 
2021 Full-Year Webinar Pass
Rating: 
0

Presenter: Robert T Muller, PhD
Presenter Biography: Robert T. Muller, Ph.D. trained at Harvard, was on faculty at the University of Massachusetts, and is currently at York University in Toronto. Dr. Muller is a Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Trauma & Dissociation (ISSTD) for his work on trauma treatment. His newest book, "Trauma & the Struggle to Open Up" was awarded the 2019 ISSTD award for the year's best written work on trauma. And his awardwinning bestseller, "Trauma & the Avoidant Client" has been translated widely. As lead investigator on several multi-site programs to treat interpersonal trauma, Dr. Muller has lectured internationally (Australia, UK, Europe, USA), and has been keynote speaker at mental health conferences in New Zealand and Canada. He founded an online magazine, "The Trauma & Mental Health Rep

Available Credit

  • 2.00 APA
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
  • 2.00 ASWB ACE
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), #1744, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. ISSTD maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 08/20/2021 – 08/20/2024. Social workers completing this course receive 2.00 continuing education credits.
  • 2.00 ISSTD Certificate Program
    This program is eligible for 2.00 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program.

Price

ISSTD Member cost:
$35.00
Your Price:
$55.00
Please login or register to take this course.

"Your Price" above reflects your final price based on your membership status and career level. 

  • ISSTD defines a student as those enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree or certification in the mental health field and who have an interest in trauma and dissociation. 
  • ISSTD defines an emerging professional as mental health professionals who have completed an advanced degree and are in the first three years of their career (or first three years after graduation for researchers).
  • If you do not fall into one of the above categories please register as Professional/Retired. 

These prices are for Tier I countries. For a list of countries by Tier click here. If you are located in a country that falls into Tier II-VI please contact ISSTD at cfas@isst-d.org to receive the appropriate discount code.