The Challenges of Self Forgiveness - A Workshop that Provides ACT and RFT Based Responses to Produce Compassionate and Workable Responses to Struggle

Abstract

Relational Frame Theory - a Post-Skinnerian Account of Human Language and Cognition edited by Hayes, Barnes-Holmes and Roche, proposes the universality and pervasiveness of human psychopathology. Within the context of self-compassion, this workshop presents a protocol based on Relational Frame Theory and ACT in addressing the need for self-forgiveness in response to the pervasiveness of human psychopathology. Forgiveness and self-forgiveness as therapeutic approaches have been either assumed as being part of self-compassion or as an area which is addressed by psychologists and counsellors from a religious context. This workshop provides an experiential approach to the protocol developed for the therapeutic work required for workable self-forgiveness irrespective of religious background or involvement. The presentation will include data provided from series of outcomes for client case studies who have been taken through a developing protocol on self forgiveness which addresses the costs and benefits of bidirectional transformation of functions, thought suppression ineffective coping is styles and reason giving. The protocol is based on work by Harris, Toerneke, Ramenero, Villatte and Villatte and outlines the importance of values, acceptance and willingness of experiencing pain in the presence of values, addressing shame, guilt, remorse and reparative action within a framework of perspective taking present focused action and committed action to work towards rebuilding lives based on values. The workshop will also identify the important links to spirituality and transcendence which allow all to consider the therapeutic benefits whether they come from a religious background or from a background of nontheism. Educational Objectives: 1. Compare and contrast approaches to self-compassion and specific place of self- forgiveness within the context of self- compassion. 2. Lead experiential exercises which demonstrate the role of Relational Frame Theory and ACT and will allow participants to reproduce these in therapeutic settings. 3. Describe and explain elements of the proposed protocol in therapeutic settings.