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Forgiveness: The Double-Edged Sword of Trauma Therapy

Sunday, June 7th, 2026   1:45 PM EDT -4:45 PM EDT
Robert T. Muller PhD
$59.99 Cost For Member: $0

Dr. Robert Muller's Abstract: Forgiveness is frequently discussed in trauma therapy literature, yet in clinical practice it often presents complex challenges, particularly for survivors of interpersonal trauma perpetrated by trusted others. This workshop examines forgiveness as a nuanced and sometimes problematic therapeutic construct—one that can promote healing in some contexts while causing harm when introduced prematurely or coercively. Participants will explore distinctions between authentic and rushed forgiveness, the role of apology in facilitating genuine repair, and the importance of conceptualizing forgiveness as a process rather than an outcome. Special attention will be given to self-forgiveness, a frequently overlooked but critical aspect of trauma recovery. The workshop integrates theory with clinical case material drawn from trauma-focused psychotherapy to illustrate practical applications. Participants will be invited to reflect and engage throughout the session.

 

About the Presenter

Robert T. Muller, PhD, trained at Harvard University, was formerly on faculty at the University of Massachusetts, and is currently a Professor in the Department of Psychology at York University in Toronto. Dr. Muller is a Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Trauma & Dissociation (ISSTD) in recognition of his contributions to trauma treatment and research. He is the award-winning author of Trauma and the Struggle to Open Up: From Avoidance to Recovery and Growth , which received the 2019 ISSTD Award for the year’s best written work on trauma, as well as the internationally translated bestseller Trauma & the Avoidant Client Dr. Muller has served as lead investigator on multiple multi-site treatment programs addressing interpersonal trauma and has lectured internationally across the United States, Europe, Australia, China, and the United Kingdom. He is a frequent keynote speaker at major mental health conferences worldwide. In addition, he founded The Trauma & Mental Health Report, an online publication reaching over 100,000 readers annually. With more than 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Muller maintains a private practice in Toronto. https://www.amazon.com/stores/Robert-T.-Muller/author/B0033AFO5A?ref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Learning Objectives:

  1. Differentiate between authentic forgiveness and rushed or coerced forgiveness in trauma therapy, including identifying clinical indicators of each.
  2. Explain forgiveness as a non-linear process in the treatment of interpersonal trauma.
  3. Evaluate the role of apology in facilitating or impeding forgiveness within trauma-informed clinical work.
  4. Analyze the clinical significance of self-forgiveness in trauma recovery and its impact on shame, avoidance, and self-blame.
  5. Apply trauma-informed strategies for addressing forgiveness dilemmas using case material presented in the workshop.

Agenda:

0:00–0:20

Conceptualizing Forgiveness in Trauma Therapy

  • Common misconceptions about forgiveness

  • Forgiveness vs. reconciliation

  • Cultural and clinical pressures to forgive

0:20–0:50

Authentic vs. Rushed Forgiveness

  • Clinical indicators of premature forgiveness

  • Impact of rushed forgiveness on trauma symptoms

  • Case illustration

0:50–1:20

Forgiveness as a Process

  • Non-linear models of forgiveness

  • Tolerance of ambivalence and unresolved affect

  • Therapist stance and pacing

1:20–1:30 — Break

1:30–2:00

The Role of Apology in Trauma Repair

  • When apologies help vs. harm

  • Power dynamics and responsibility

  • Clinical examples

2:00–2:30

Self-Forgiveness in Trauma Treatment

  • Shame, self-blame, and moral injury

  • Therapist countertransference

  • Working with avoidance and internalized criticism

2:30–2:55

Clinical Application and Case Discussion

  • Applying concepts to complex trauma cases

  • Ethical considerations

  • Participant questions

2:55–3:00

Summary and Closing Reflections


This workshop offers 3 Live Interactive Continuing Education Credits

This presentation is open to:
  • Social Workers
  • Professional Counselors
  • Therapists
  • Psychologists
  • Licensed Mental Health Practitioners
  • Medical Doctors and Other Health Professionals
  • Other professionals interacting with populations engaged in mental health based services
Course Level: intermediate
Level of Clinician: intermediate
  • New practitioners who wish to gain enhanced insight surrounding the topic
  • Experienced practitioners who seek to increase and expand fundamental knowledge surrounding the subject matter
  • Advanced practitioners seeking to review concepts and reinforce practice skills and/or access additional consultation
  • Managers seeking to broaden micro and/or macro perspectives

Participants will receive their certificate electronically upon completion of the webinar and course evaluation form.

Disability Access - If you require ADA accommodations, please contact our office 30 days or more before the event. We cannot ensure accommodations without adequate prior notification. Please Note: Licensing Boards change regulations often, and while we attempt to stay abreast of their most recent changes, if you have questions or concerns about this course meeting your specific board’s approval, we recommend you contact your board directly to obtain a ruling. The grievance policy for trainings provided by NEFESH INTERNATIONAL is available here Satisfactory Completion Participants must have paid the tuition fee, logged in and out each day, attended the entire workshop, and completed an evaluation to receive a certificate (If this is a pre-recorded program, a post-test with a passing grade of 80% to receive a certificate.) Failure to log in or out will result in forfeiture of credit for the entire course. No exceptions will be made. Partial credit is not available. Certificates are available after satisfactory course completion by clicking here.
There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.
  • NEFESH International, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0116.
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  • CE You! is an approved sponsor of the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners for continuing education credits for licensed social workers in Maryland.
    CE You! maintains responsibility for this program.
  • Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed creative arts therapists. #CAT-0122.
Refund Policy:
Full Refund until 48 hours before scheduled date.
48 hours before: full refund less $5.00 processing fee. After event no refund will be given.
*exclusions apply for reasonable need and cause.