Reed and Enright (2006) conducted the first empirical research study of forgiveness therapy on the population of female domestic abuse survivors: The Effects of Forgiveness Therapy on Depression, Anxiety, and Posttraumatic Stress for Women After Spousal Emotional Abuse. Specifically, the researchers compare the effects of forgiveness therapy vs. brief therapy with a focus on anger validation.
Forgiveness therapy and anger validation both affirm and help survivors understand that their abuse was unjust and that their anger is a valid response to their abuse. Forgiveness in forgiveness therapy is separate from reconciliation. However, the authors stress that forgiveness therapy adds also addresses the negative symptoms of resentment, which they …show more content…
First, they stress the importance that forgiveness therapy's promotion of forgiveness and beneficence is better suited to treat negative and positive symptoms of spousal abuse. Secondly, unconditional beneficence towards the abuser on the grounds of human worth may also help the victim see herself as a human with inherent worth. Additionally, an emphasis on forgiveness and beneficence promotes long-term positive goals in recovery, such as assisting other women in a similar situation. The authors emphasize that the therapist should ensure that forgiving the abuser is differentiated from relapsing into the abuse cycle or justifying the abuser’s behavior. Finally, the authors suggest that forgiveness therapy is a valid treatment for survivors of domestic …show more content…
Firstly, I have a passion to work with women as my specialty in counseling, specifically including survivors of domestic abuse. Secondly, I was intrigued of the effect of forgiveness on the recovery from domestic abuse, particularly in light of my Christian worldview. Scripture affirms the value of women and condemns domestic abuse (Ephesians 5:25-33; Mark 12:35). As in the research study, Scripture emphasizes that forgiveness does not invalidate the gross injustice survivors have endured, and it also differentiates forgiveness from reconciliation (Matthew 18:15-17). The article advocates beneficent towards the abuser on the basis on inherent human value, and Christianity affirms the dignity of human beings because we are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26; Reed & Enright, 2006). Additionally, Christians have a greater motivation to forgive and love unconditional, this reflects the character and nature of God: “But I say to you, ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven’” (Matthew 5:44-45a, ESV).
This article has also encouraged me to include positive goals in therapy. In the study, the focus on the positive symptoms of forgiveness and beneficence were proposed to be the most influential in treatment, and were suggested to have long-term life changes. As counselors and as Christians, it is our duty not only to assist in the healing of wounds, but to promote
Forgiveness therapy and anger validation both affirm and help survivors understand that their abuse was unjust and that their anger is a valid response to their abuse. Forgiveness in forgiveness therapy is separate from reconciliation. However, the authors stress that forgiveness therapy adds also addresses the negative symptoms of resentment, which they …show more content…
First, they stress the importance that forgiveness therapy's promotion of forgiveness and beneficence is better suited to treat negative and positive symptoms of spousal abuse. Secondly, unconditional beneficence towards the abuser on the grounds of human worth may also help the victim see herself as a human with inherent worth. Additionally, an emphasis on forgiveness and beneficence promotes long-term positive goals in recovery, such as assisting other women in a similar situation. The authors emphasize that the therapist should ensure that forgiving the abuser is differentiated from relapsing into the abuse cycle or justifying the abuser’s behavior. Finally, the authors suggest that forgiveness therapy is a valid treatment for survivors of domestic …show more content…
Firstly, I have a passion to work with women as my specialty in counseling, specifically including survivors of domestic abuse. Secondly, I was intrigued of the effect of forgiveness on the recovery from domestic abuse, particularly in light of my Christian worldview. Scripture affirms the value of women and condemns domestic abuse (Ephesians 5:25-33; Mark 12:35). As in the research study, Scripture emphasizes that forgiveness does not invalidate the gross injustice survivors have endured, and it also differentiates forgiveness from reconciliation (Matthew 18:15-17). The article advocates beneficent towards the abuser on the basis on inherent human value, and Christianity affirms the dignity of human beings because we are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26; Reed & Enright, 2006). Additionally, Christians have a greater motivation to forgive and love unconditional, this reflects the character and nature of God: “But I say to you, ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven’” (Matthew 5:44-45a, ESV).
This article has also encouraged me to include positive goals in therapy. In the study, the focus on the positive symptoms of forgiveness and beneficence were proposed to be the most influential in treatment, and were suggested to have long-term life changes. As counselors and as Christians, it is our duty not only to assist in the healing of wounds, but to promote