Therapists and the clinical use of forgiveness

Abstract

The literature indicates a growing interest in the phenomenon of forgiveness and its implication for therapeutic practice. However, empirical research and formal theory about forgiveness and methodologies for their use with clients are practically nonexistent. Certified clinical members of the American Association of Marital and Family Therapists in the Maryland area rated their level of development of techniques to assist clients in forgiving themselves, forgiving others, and seeking forgiveness for wrongdoing. Therapists' openness to client religiosity and age of therapists explained approximately 26% of the variance. Gender, educational level, and personal religiosity of the therapists showed no significant relationship. Implications for direct family practice and theory development are discussed.