Individual and Couple Counselling: On Forgiveness

I think the concept of forgiveness is one of the most important aspects of individual health and also the health of couples. It is about self acceptance, and acceptance of someone else's weaknesses.

Forgiveness is not easy nor simple. Janic Abrahm Spring, in her book, " How Can I Forgive You?" talks about three types of forgivenss--
1. cheap forgiveness
2 acceptance
3. genuine forgiveness.

It is the latter which is the most fulfilling, but can only happen with someone else's engagement, or with engagement with self. Sometimes, all we can do is accept and move on. True forgiveness is also about work on the part of the injured party--they have to be willing to risk and let go, rather than hold on and self protect.