Showing papers by "Everett L. Worthington published in 2006"

Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Theory and Application

Abstract: To be unforgiving is harmful. The inability to come to terms with one’s anger or strife often can lead to stress disorders, mental health disorders, and relationship problems. Forgiveness is a personal decision. Forgiveness and Reconciliation focuses on individual experiences with forgiveness, aiming to create a theory of what forgiveness is and connect it to a clinical theory of how to promote forgiveness. Dr. Worthington creates an evidence-based approach that is applicable for individuals and relationships, and even for society. He also describes an evidence-based method of reconciliation - restoring trust in damaged relationships. Dr. Worthington hopes that this theory will inform scientific research and improve intervention strategies. Showing that forgiveness transforms personality, Worthington describes ways a clinician can promote (but not force) forgiveness of others and self. He provides research-based theory and applications and discusses the role of emotion and specific personality traits as related to forgiveness. Forgiveness and reconciliation might not be cures, but, as Worthington shows, they are tools for transforming both the self and the world.

Changes in supervision as counselors and supervisors gain experience: A review.

Abstract: Evidence bearing on whether and how counselors and supervisors receive or give different types of supervision of psychotherapy as they each gain experience was investigated. Theories describing changes in supervision of counselors as they gain experience are reviewed. Most are similar to each other. They posit changes in the supervisee, with supervision environments being matched to the changing needs of the supervisee. There are three theories concerning how the supervisor changes as he or she gains experience. Findings from empirical studies are consistent with theories of counselor development but only weakly supportive of the theory that actual supervision environments are matched to supervisee needs. Findings from empirical research on changes in supervisors as they gain experience reveal few differences in supervisors at any level beyond the master’s degree. Presumably, therapists and supervisors age like wine. In this article, I sample their sounds, sights, bouquets, and tastes as they gain experience. Supervision of prepracticum counselors is not covered in this review (for a recent review, see Kurtz, Marshall, & Banspach, 1985). Rather, this article is a summary of supervision of counselors from their first practicum and beyond. First, the issue of what supervision should be is discussed. Then research on changes in supervision as counselors gain experience is reviewed. Last, research on changes in supervision as supervisors gain experience at supervision is examined.

Forgiveness in the Treatment of Persons with Alcohol Problems

Abstract: SUMMARY We describe one theoretical perspective on injustice, unforgiveness, justice, and forgiveness (i.e., an emotional-replacement model) and describe an intervention to promote forgiveness, which is applied to alcohol dependence and abuse. We identify major transgressions within families who deal with alcohol-related problems. We note risk factors related to the development of unforgiving emotions and describe ways that people typically cope with the stress of unforgiveness. Finally, an evidence-based psychoeducational group to promote forgiveness, derived from the emotion-replacement model of forgiveness is described and adapted to the treatment of alcohol dependence and abuse within a family context. Whereas unforgiveness seems frequent within families dealing with alcohol dependence, empirical research on unforgiveness and forgiveness within those families is sparse.

Interpersonal Forgiveness as an Example of Loving One'S Enemies:

Abstract: We suggest that altruistically-motivated forgiveness is an ideal we rarely achieve. In fact, we often think such forgiveness is impossible. Our contribution is to identify ways that God promotes fo...