Childhood physical and emotional abuse can have lasting effects, causing both emotional pain and significant mental and physical health challenges. Research shows that many survivors face ongoing struggles with depression, low self-esteem, substance abuse, and interpersonal difficulties. In this workshop, psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, and ministry leaders will develop tools to help Christian clients forgive past abuse, using a biblical approach to decision-based forgiveness. Specifically, participants will assess the benefits of any adult grappling with forgiveness of past childhood trauma and define the steps of decision-based forgiveness, while understanding the emotional and cognitive chains that bind individuals to their past abuse. Additionally, participants will evaluate strategies that will be shared to support adults in overcoming these challenges, promoting emotional and behavioral healing. Participants will examine how to apply these forgiveness strategies within a Christian worldview, helping individuals achieve emotional peace, behavioral resolution, and a restored sense of trust.
218 | Moving On: Walking Adult Clients through Forgiveness of Their Parents for Childhood Abuse
PRESENTERS
Fred DiBlasio, Ph.D.
CE CREDITS
1.25
Approved For CE
APA, ASWB, NBCC, NAADAC, IBCC, Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling
Approved For CME/CEU
LEVEL
Advanced
Summary
Learning Objectives
1 Identify and assess the emotional and cognitive chains that bind individuals to their past abuse, gaining insight into how these factors hinder emotional healing and forgiveness.
2 Define decision-based forgiveness and explain its application to childhood abuse, emphasizing a biblical approach to forgiveness within a Christian worldview.
3 Evaluate and apply specific forgiveness strategies to support adults in overcoming past childhood trauma, promoting emotional peace, behavioral resolution, and restoration of trust in relationships.