Dynamically explores what is really keeping you from forgiving or seeking forgiveness. Draws on insights from many fields-communication, psychology, counseling and theology, as well as original research-to explore the mental and emotional barriers in your path. Includes reflection questions for individual and group use.

Myra Warren Isenhart, PhD, who has devoted her career to helping others through conflict resolution, is founder of Organizational Communication, Inc. She served on faculties at Regis University, University of Denver and St. Thomas Theological Seminary and trained in alternative dispute resolution at Harvard Law School. She is coauthor of Collaborative Approaches to Resolving Conflict; Negotiation as a Way of Life and Negotiation: Communication for Diverse Settings.

Introduction

1. The Nature of Forgiveness: Begin with a Clear Understanding
2. Ways We Experience Forgiveness: Three Perspectives on Harm Within and Between Us
3. Benefits of Forgiving and Being Forgiven: Releasing the Past, Embracing the Future
4. Resisting the Practice of Forgiveness: Why Such Difficulties?
5. What Facilitates Forgiveness? Personality, Relationships, and Communities
6. The Path to Forgiveness: Acknowledging Our Mistakes and Taking Action
7. Self-Forgiveness: Confronting Our Harshest Critic
8. The Role of Apology: How Apologies Heal
9. Reconciliation: The Bridge to Repairing a Broken Relationship
10. When Forgiving and Reconciling Are Difficult: Overcoming the Factors That Prevent Forgiveness
11 . Helping Others Forgive: Serving as a Peacemaker in the World Around You

Concluding Thoughts
Acknowledgments
Notes
Suggestions for Further Learning