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Discovering forgiveness through empathy: implications for couple and family therapy
Author(s) -
Hill E. Wayne
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of family therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.52
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1467-6427
pISSN - 0163-4445
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-6427.2010.00492.x
Subject(s) - forgiveness , empathy , ambivalence , psychology , context (archaeology) , psychotherapist , family therapy , process (computing) , social psychology , developmental psychology , computer science , paleontology , biology , operating system
This article explores the concept of forgiveness in the context of couple and family therapy. Forgiveness is described as a complex psychological and relational process that is more a discovery via understanding and empathy than an act of will. Empathy is related to emotional intelligence, and the developmental and relational benefits of both are discussed. A rationale for viewing forgiveness in a contextual (family of origin), historical and relational attachment paradigm is offered. Relevant clinical cases illustrate the process of forgiveness as discovery in the context of an empathic relational environment where ambivalence is anticipated and respected.