The present volume is a ground-breaking and agenda-setting investigation of the psychology of self-forgiveness. It brings together the work of expert clinicians and researchers working within the field, to address questions such as: Why is self-forgiveness so difficult? What contexts and psychological experiences give rise to the need for self-forgiveness? What approaches can therapists use to help people process difficult experiences that elicit guilt, shame and self-condemnation? How can people work through their own failures and transgressions? Assembling current theories and findings, this unique resource reviews and advances our understanding of self-forgiveness, and its potentially critical function in interpersonal relationships and individual emotional and physical health. The editors begin by exploring the nature of self-forgiveness. They consider its processes, causes, and effects, how it may be measured, and its potential benefits to theory and psychotherapy. Expert clinicians and researchers then examine self-forgiveness in its many facets; as a response to guilt and shame, a step toward processing transgressions, a means of reducing anxiety, and an essential component of, or, under some circumstances a barrier to, psychotherapeutic intervention. Contributors also address self-forgiveness as applied to diverse psychosocial contexts such as addiction and recovery, couples and families, healthy aging, the workplace, and the military. Among the topics in the Handbook: An evolutionary approach to shame-based self-criticism, self-forgiveness and compassion. Working through psychological needs following transgressions to arrive at self-forgiveness. Self-forgiveness and health: a stress-and-coping model. Self-forgiveness and personal and relational well-being. Self-directed intervention to promote self-forgiveness. Understanding the role of forgiving the self in the act of hurting oneself. The Handbook of the Psychology of Self-Forgiveness serves many healing professionals. It covers a wide range of problems for which individuals often seek help from counselors, clergy, social workers, psychologists and physicians. Research psychologists, philosophers, and sociologists studying self-forgiveness will also find it an essential handbook that draws together the advances made over the past several decades, and identifies important directions for the road ahead.

Most of us have plenty of experience with self-blame and guilt - but we are often at a loss when it comes to forgiving ourselves. According to Colin Tipping, this is because our idea of forgiveness usually requires a victim and a perpetrator - which is impossible when we play both roles at the same time. Tipping's Radical Forgiveness process all...

A practical & powerful guide to transform self-judgment to self-forgiveness

SUB TITLE:Getting Back Up When We Let Ourselves Down

The Handbook of Forgiveness, Second Edition consolidates research from a wide range of disciplines and offers an in-depth review of the science of forgiveness. This new edition considers forgiveness in a diverse range of contexts and presents a research agenda for future directions in the field. Chapters approach forgiveness from a variety of perspectives, drawing on related work in areas including biology, personality, social psychology, clinical/counseling psychology, developmental psychology, philosophy, and neuroscience, as well as considering international and political implications. The Handbook provides comprehensive treatment of the topic, integrating theoretical considerations, methodological discussions, and practical intervention strategies that will appeal to researchers, clinicians, and practitioners. Reflecting the increased precision with which forgiveness has been understood, theorized, and assessed during the last 14 years of research, this updated edition of the Handbook of Forgiveness remains the authoritative resource on the field of forgiveness.

Inspiration and encouragement from across faith traditions for all who seek hope and wholeness through letting go. “The burden of a grudge, resentment or bitterness is not fully understood until the act of forgiving another lifts it and the freedom of grace given is experienced. How weighed down we are with being unforgiving! When you truly forgive from the heart … you know it by the liberation of your own soul.” —Rev. Timothy J. Mooney, in “A Choice and a Gift” Old wounds can bind up your heart and keep you from fully loving—and fully living—in the present. Your pain may come from devastating trauma or unconscious resentment from accumulated everyday grievances. No matter the depth of the hurt, true healing comes from the courage to face the past and begin the process of letting go. These offerings of warmth and wisdom from many different faiths, backgrounds and perspectives will encourage you to begin your own journey toward the wholeness and freedom that comes from true forgiveness. CONTRIBUTORS: Marcus Aurelius • Nancy L. Bieber • Rev. Carolyne Call • Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell • Nancy Barrett Chickerneo, PhD • Paul Wesley Chilcote, PhD • William Cleary •Nancy Corcoran, CSJ • Linda Douty • Rabbi Ted Falcon • Marcia Ford • Marie M. Fortune • Tamar Frankiel, PhD • Rabbi Edwin Goldberg, DHL • Caren Goldman • Rev. Steven Greenebaum • Judy Greenfeld • Kent Ira Groff • Diana L. Guerrero • Karyn D. Kedar • Kay Lindahl • Rabbi David Lyon • Pastor Don Mackenzie • St. Maximos • Ron Miller • Diane M. Millis, PhD • Rev. Timothy J. Mooney • John Philip Newell • Linda Novick • Rev. Larry J. Peacock • Gordon Peerman • M. Basil Pennington, OCSO • Jan Phillips • Susan Quinn • Imam Jamal Rahman • Marty Richards, MSW, LCSW • The Rev. Canon C.K. Robertson, PhD • Rev. Nanette Sawyer • Rev. Donna Schaper • Katharine Jefferts Schori • Rami Shapiro • Louise Silk • Rev. Susan Sparks • Aaron Spevack, PhD • Rabbi Elie Kaplan Spitz • Molly and Bernie Srode • Tom Stella • Sohaib N. Sultan • Terry Taylor • Yoland Trevino • Rev. Jane E. Vennard • The Rev. Peter Wallace • Cynthia Winton-Henry

go beyond standard medical treatment to treat yourself to wellness Suffering from a serious condition? Do you have questions that your doctor may not have answered-and are you wondering if you're doing everything you possibly can to get and stay well? Turn to this authoritative, compassionate resource when you're seeking further guidance and reassurance. Written by a certified holistic nurse and approved by the most respected professional association of holistic nurses, American Holistic Nurses' Association Guide to Common Chronic Conditions offers a blend of traditional, alternative, and complementary advice that works in conjunction with your doctor's care. Based on the latest scientific research, this holistic self-care guide covers twenty chronic conditions, providing you with the total picture of your condition and explaining in clear, friendly language what you can do to complement your doctor's prescribed treatment. Holistic nurses engage in therapeutic partnerships with their clients, and this book will work with you to help you understand your condition and teach you specific, safe actions you can take to feel better and improve your health. * Offers a host of self-care measures * Presents thorough explanations of each condition, from diagnosis to enhanced wellness * Addresses side effects and reactions to medicines, treatments, and surgery * Includes cutting-edge research that supports each self-care approach