Application of forgiveness in rehabilitation psychology: a positive option for change

Abstract

Throughout the past 25 years, forgiveness has been a part of psychology and studied within many populations. However, forgiveness has not been considered nor promoted as a helpful skill or approach when counseling persons with disabilities or in the rehabilitation counseling/psychology profession at large. In an effort to change this trend by educating the profession on the importance and relevance of forgiveness to the practice of rehabilitation psychology, readers are afforded the opportunity to learn about forgiveness, its application and relevance to persons with disabilities, and to further their understanding of how forgiveness can be conceptualized and explored. Provided in this article is a proposed forgiveness model which can be used to assist professionals in the exploration of forgiveness among the people they serve. Following this model is an applied case study and professional implications.