Forgiveness as a Therapeutic Tool: Using Forgiveness for Healing inthe Counseling Process

Abstract

Interpersonal conflicts and misunderstandings are unavoidable in relationships. Sincehumans are social, relational beings, it is very natural that the problems about which clients seekhelp in counseling are rather interpersonal problems. In order for counselors to be effectivelyhelpful in the counseling process, it is important that therapists are knowledgeable in the conceptof forgiveness, processes of forgiveness and the use of forgiveness as a theraputic tool. This paperpresents the use of forgiveness as a therapeutic tool to help the clients to deal with a brokenheart, being hurt in interpersonal relationships and even dealing with traumatic experiences.The information provided are the concept and process of forgiveness, forgivingness as apersonality trait, and forgiveness and mental health. In addition, forgiveness is discussed in thecounseling process as a therapeutic tool to help clients deal with transgressions in interpersonalrelationships.