ABSTRACT
Offering the “moral gift” of beneficence, empathy and altruistic concern in forgiveness therapy can benefit adults interested in releasing the burden of resentment and anger toward their injurer(s). Enright and Fitzgibbons define forgiveness as letting go of resentment toward a wrongdoer. A feminist perspective considers the client’s social locations, influential gender role messages regarding anger and forgiveness and the power differential between client and offender. It introduces the importance of collaboration in the therapeutic relationship and the use of unbiased, non-pathologizing language and explores sources of choice and empowerment for the client. Forgiveness as a therapeutic approach holds potential benefits, but scholars underscore the need for therapists and clients to clearly identify and understand what is meant by forgiveness. Throughout the counseling process, the people need to ensure that forgiveness is a healing option rather than a disempowering obligation.
