When we choose not to forgive we hurt ourselves more that the other person. They have gone on with their lives, but you are left stuck and bitter. Do you find that the bitterness is consuming you? Call me for a fifteen min consultation.
Dr. Warwar (our clinic director) and Dr. Greenberg (Professor emeritus of psychology at York University and Director of the Emotion-Focused Therapy Clinic in Toronto) co-developed an Emotion-Focused Therapy and research program for forgiveness to help couples and individuals resolve emotional injuries.
Forgiveness can be hard, especially when you have felt hurt, betrayed or let down. Whether you are looking to forgive others or forgive yourself, we provide support to radically accept what occurred and find ways to move forward in life. Through an exploration of compassion, naming one's needs, and addressing accountability, while recognizing that all humans are imperfect, we can work through forgiveness-an act that can liberate yourself from feelings of bitterness, anger and resentment.
Forgiveness is a process where someone who has been wronged chooses to let go of their resentment, and treat the wrongdoer with compassion. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting or condoning the wrongdoing, granting legal mercy, or reconciling a relationship. You can forgive a person while in no way believing that their actions were acceptable or justified.
Clients who continue to hang on to painful emotions related to a mistreatment—even though they have every right to hold those emotions—can receive great benefit from forgiveness therapy. A number of positive outcomes, such as reductions in depression, resentment, and rumination, have been associated with forgiveness.
While forgiveness can often be difficult, it can be a tremendous opportunity to help you heal and move past difficult moments or traumas in your life. Book a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit for therapy.
I acknowledge that forgiveness is a process, and although it can be extremely empowering and healing, it is highly individual and dependent on each client’s unique circumstances. Therefore, when it comes to forgiveness, it is imperative that this process is honoured, and a client is given the opportunity to go through the various stages of forgiveness, which can be anywhere from powerful anger to a deep sense of remorse. Along the way, I aim to validate the client’s emotions while opening up new possibilities for a better and brighter future. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to ensure we are a good fit.
Forgiveness, whether directed at yourself or another person, is a concept that may have a unique meaning to each individual. I am here to support you in the exploration of your own personal and unique understanding of what forgiveness means to you and what that may look like in the context of your life. This is a safe space to consider the impacts of forgiving or not forgiving at a pace that feels good for you. Contact me today to book a free consultation.
Forgiveness shouldn't be forced. Only you can know if and when you're ready to forgive. Remember that the act of forgiveness is not about the other person but, instead, for yourself. To forgive others doesn't equate to reconciliation, nor does it mean to condone. It's meant to release your resentment and permit you to reclaim your life.
Whether you are looking to forgive others or forgive yourself, I provide support to radically accept what occurred and find ways to move forward in life. We may explore ideas of compassion, needs, and accountability while recognizing that all humans are imperfect. In terms of self-forgiveness, I recognize that doing a "bad" thing does not make us a "bad" person. I support individuals to determine what is theirs to own and take accountability for as well as when they may be taking accountability for things that is not their responsibility.