The ACT of Self Forgiveness: A Principles-Based Response to Intrapersonal Offence

Abstract

Self-forgiveness has been demonstrated to be beneficial for both psychological and social wellbeing. RFT and ACT reveals that language in and of itself creates, suffering and attendant struggle with burdens of shame, guilt remorse, and regret. All will experience these phenomena. Struggle creates the internal arena in which self-blame flourishes, but may also provide a place of opportunity to develop effective responses regarding self-forgiveness. This workshop demonstrates a novel approach to self-forgiveness focused on the forgiveness of self for intrapersonal transgressions against the self. The therapeutic approach describes seven principles which include: identification of the burden; taking a transcendent perspective; identification of personal values and identification transgressions against those values; ACT therapeutic responses; granting self-forgiveness; putting values into action; making an ongoing commitment to self-forgiveness. Participants will be provided with a principles-based framework, promoting self-forgiveness to clients and possible client populations which may be beneficial recipients of targeted therapy. Educational Objectives: 1. Analyze a novel approach to self-forgiveness focused on the forgiveness of self for intrapersonal transgressions against the self. 2. Describe the therapeutic approach and its seven principles which include: identification of the burden; taking a transcendent perspective; identification of personal values and identification of transgressions against those values; ACT therapeutic responses; granting self-forgiveness; putting values into action; making an ongoing commitment to self-forgiveness. 3. Explain a principles-based framework, promoting self-forgiveness to clients and possible client populations which may be beneficial recipients of targeted therapy.