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DISCUSSION: CONTEMPORARY THEORY PRESENTATION ASSIGNMENT
INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
You will research, evaluate, and present a contemporary counseling theory to the class. It will
address the major components of the theory as outlined below. It would simulate you making a
presentation to your peers. You may develop your presentation using Adobe creative suite
software, video, narrated PowerPoint, web page, etc.
INSTRUCTIONS
INTRODUCTION – MY NAME, PLEASURE TO AT LIBERTY, RECOGNIZE DR. GREGORY
EVERETT WORTHINGTON’S FORGIVENESS COUNSELING MODEL -REACH
INTRODUCE DR. WORTHINGTON –
LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AND PROFESSOR OF PSYCHOLOGY AT VIRGINIA
COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
Psychologist Everett Worthington has spent his career studying forgiveness and other virtues,
religion, and spirituality, as well as issues related to marriage and family.
He founded a nonprofit organization that was awarded over 6 million dollars to study
forgiveness.
In 1996, he personally practiced his theory by forgiving the murderer of his mother.
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HTTPS://WWW.EVWORTHINGTON-FORGIVENESS.COM/REACH-FORGIVENESS-OF-OTHERS
R – RECALL THE HURT –
TO HEAL, YOU HAVE TO FACE THE FACT THAT YOU’VE BEEN HURT.
E – EMPATHIZE WITH YOUR PARTNER
PRETEND THAT THE OTHER PERSON IS IN AN EMPTY CHAIR ACROSS FROM YOU. TALK TO
HIM. POUR YOUR HEART OUT.
A – ALTRUISTIC GIFT
WE ALL CAN REMEMBER WHEN WE WRONGED SOMEONE. GIVE FORGIVENESS AS AN
UNSELFISH, ALTRUISTIC GIFT
C – COMMIT
ONCE YOU’VE FORGIVEN, WRITE A NOTE TO YOURSELF—SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS,
“TODAY, I FORGAVE [PERSON’S NAME] FOR HURTING ME.” THIS HELPS YOUR
FORGIVENESS LAST. RUMINATION CONSTANTLY THINKING ABOUT THE WRONG SOMEONE
DID TO YOU. PUBLICLY FORGIVING THE PERSON WHO WRONGED YOU
H – HOLD ONTO FORGIVENESS - WE WRITE NOTES OF COMMITMENT BECAUSE WE WILL ALMOST
SURELY BE TEMPTED TO DOUBT THAT WE REALLY FORGAVE. WE CAN RE-READ OUR
NOTES. WE DID FORGIVE. REMEMBERING THAT YOU MADE THE CHOICE TO FORGIVE.
1. Your presentation should address the following Content areas:
1. Central constructs for the theory, - Key constructs are the building blocks of any theory.
They are simply the specialized terms used to label the elements in the theory. They are
called “constructs” in order to emphasize that they are theoretical representations of real
objects and processes
For example, in Bowlby’s theory, such key constructs would include “attachment,”
“infant distress,” “proximity seeking,” “protection,” and “responsiveness.” Identifying
the key constructs and locating their definitions are important steps in getting a handle on
the pieces of a theory
REACH meanings and
anger, Empathy, reflection (of your wrongs), commitment, and forgiveness.
psychological construct. It concerns the change in attitude towards the person who caused
harm, which manifests itself in thinking, feeling, and behavior.
Emotional construct – anger can be constructive when people frame it in terms of solving
a mutual problem rather than as a chance to vent their feelings,
interpersonal construct, Although an inherently interpersonal construct, forgiveness
occurs primarily within the individual. Interpersonal events, such as expressions of
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remorse by the wrongdoer, influence forgiveness, but the motivational change it
embodies occurs largely within the individual.
Cognitive construct is That the forgiveness process incorporates the commitment to
forgive the offender,
2. What causes dysfunction in the theory’s view? Why doesn’t it work
More forgiveness may lead to more abuse
Reconciliation may not always to achievable which is the most desirable goal in forgiveness
Often the offender can’t forgive themselves and suffer shame, self-blame and condemnation
3. What is the nature of therapy for this model? What are the basic features of the model I
chose to use.
Forgiveness means different things to different people. But in general, it involves an intentional
decision to let go of resentment and anger. The act that hurt or offended you might always be
with you. There is decisional and emotional forgiveness
Decisional forgiveness is supposed to be a behavioral intention statement that one will eliminate
revenge and avoidance and possibly restore interaction if the threat of future harm can be
prevented. However, one may grant decisional forgiveness while still holding a grudge against
the transgressor. This phenomenon is known in the literature as “hollow forgiveness”
Emotional forgiveness is the replacement of negative, unforgiving emotions with positive, other-
oriented ones.
4. Role of assessment (Does the model encourage a careful diagnostic interview?)
Yes, it does; the therapist has to take detailed notes of the offending act and differentiate the
difference between the beginning counseling session to the end counseling session. This will be
done through a careful diagnostic interview.
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Self-report testing? Other forms of assessment?)
The following are Marriage Instruments
Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS-7) and Measure of Religious Commitment, it is a RCI-10 and
Couple Assessment of Relationship Elements (CARE).
In psychology, a self-report is any test, measure, or survey that relies on an
individual's own report of their symptoms, behaviors, beliefs, or attitudes. Self-
report data is gathered typically in paper-and-pencil or electronic format or
sometimes through an interview.
oRole of the client and the counselorL
(Is the counselor directive/non-directive? Educational? Active or Passive?)
The counselor is directive, although the counselor joins in with the couple on the road to
forgiveness. REACH was created when couples could not figure out how to forgive one another,
so this forgiveness theory is taught through education. Educational. Therapists are educational
because they explain the process and provide other theoretical viewpoints. If the couple is faith-
based, even some scripture can be applied. The counselor is also actively involved because they
advise and direct, assist in solving the issue, and may even help with finding common definitions
of terms for the couple. Counselors are seen as the experts on the topic and process.
What personal qualities in the client will help the client take a role that
will help the therapy be successful?L
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everett_Worthington
Worthington conducted research on and summarized existing research on religiously tailored
psychotherapy. In a theoretical article, he put forth the concept that a client who valued religion
tended to see the world through religious values.[14] He argued that clients held a subjective
zone of toleration of values by which they evaluated psychotherapists. If the psychotherapist's
values were perceived to be outside of the client's zone of toleration, then poor response to
psychotherapy or drop out was a likely outcome.
evidence supporting religious or spiritual matching was demonstrably effective.[19] The APA
found that when therapists and clients are equally yoked in faith, the success of therapy is
greater.
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Goals of therapy
What is the therapy trying to accomplish? For example, traditional
psychoanalytic therapy is trying to help the client resolve unconscious
conflicts and to resolve the transference reaction with the therapist. What
is your therapy model trying to do?
Although most scholars agree that forgiveness should not be tangled with another associated
concept (e.g. reconciliation) some authors propose that reconciliation is a desired endpoint of the
forgiveness process, making it the central construct of the Forgiveness Counseling Model
(Pollard et al., 1998). Nevertheless, there is agreement that forgiveness should be renowned from
allied constructs such as condoning, pardoning, tolerating, and forgetting (Rye et al., 2001).
Worthington's REACH Forgiveness model also aims to find compassion for the offender,
through a five-step process that helps people address their hurt, find empathy for the person who
hurt them, reach forgiveness and hold onto that forgiveness over time. His model has been
applied more often in group settings.
Example techniques (Here are some sample techniques. There are many more.
Interpretation of unconscious processes? Identification of cognitive distortions?
Utilization of coping skills (such as relaxation training, assertiveness training,
etc.)?
Utilization of coping skills such as writing a Forgiveness Letter – The therapist asks the client to
write a letter forgiving the offender. This action helps the client hold onto the forgiveness and
remember that they did forgive.
Empathize. Pretend the person who hurt you is sitting in front of you and talk to them. Fully
explain how you feel. Once you have had your say, change roles. Talk back as if you are the
other person explaining why they wronged you. This builds empathy – even if you cannot
empathize, this process can help you move on.
the therapy process (How does the therapy develop over time?)
REACH
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5. One or more case examples to demonstrate the therapy.
Lisa is 20 years old and struggles with forgiving her father, who had extramarital affairs and
caused her parents' divorce. Lisa could not understand why she would wake in the morning with
negative damaging emotions. She joined a psychoeducational group and discovered through the
REACH forgiveness therapy that she had been forgiven by God which lead to her forgiving her
father.
6. Critique of the theory
oHow well-supported is this theory empirically?
This theory is highly supported by Dr. Worthington himself when his mother was brutally
violated and murdered. He had to demonstrate his theory of forgiveness within his personal life.
Six years later, Dr. Worthington’s brother committed suicide. The incident allowed Dr.
Worthington to forgive himself for a lack of closeness.
oWhat aspects of this theory need further research?
oHow well does the theory address faith and cultural dimensions?
When the faith of a client is strong psychotherapy outcomes are improved.
Over the years, Worthington and his colleagues have shown through meta-analyses [15] and
qualitative reviews of research[16][17] that religious and spiritual matching to a client's religious
values—when the client is highly religious—improves outcome in psychotherapy. Nevertheless,
in strictly matched treatments in which religious clients are randomly assigned to religious or
secular treatment, differing only in the use (or not) of religious language and examples, religious
and spiritual clients show little difference regardless of religious or secular psychotherapy.[15]
There is a suggestion that this is because clients who are religious employ their faith perspective
regardless of whether the counselor introduces it specifically.
One relationship factor that can potentially affect the outcome of psychotherapy is the match or
mismatch between a client’s religious or spiritual (R/S) beliefs and the type of psychotherapy.
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oHow compatible is this theory to a Christian worldview?
o
Christian versions of REACH actively encourage clients to access their religious beliefs while
moving toward forgiveness (Rye et al., 2005). Clients are encouraged to view forgiveness as a
collaborative process with God and to consider prayer or the use of Scripture in forgiving
Any recommended modifications, additions, or deletions to make the
theory more compatible with the Christian worldview?
Any areas for further theological reflection related to this theory?
7. Key resources to learn this approach
Websites
https://www.evworthington-forgiveness.com/reach-forgiveness-of-others
Books
Five Steps to Forgiveness: The Art and Science of Forgiving by Everett Worthington
Steps to REACH Forgiveness and to Reconcile by Everett Worthington
Videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_oOiRezU9Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ty9zatnQNf0&t=10s
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2. Use your creativity in the development of this presentation. You may develop a
PowerPoint presentation; however, you may also utilize an Adobe creative suite software, make
a video, narrated PowerPoint, web page, etc. There are possibilities to complete this assignment.
Many of these theories also have videos demonstrating their usage in Liberty’s online library
databases (specifically, see the Counseling and Therapy in Video online database and the
PsycTherapy online database in Liberty’s library database collection). Thus, you may be able to
create brief therapy clips from these that can be incorporated into your presentation. Also,
therapy demonstrations can sometimes be found on YouTube or other websites. Include therapy
sample links if available as a part of your presentation.
3. Provide a link or attachment for your presentation in the Discussion labeled “Discussion:
Contemporary Theory Presentation” and reply to at least 2 other classmates’ presentations with
at least 250 words in each response.
Your responses should reflect thoughtful engagement with the presentation rather than a
“surfacy” (“I like this presentation” and one brief comment related to one slide.) These
feedback responses should demonstrate that you carefully reviewed the
presentation, rather than skimmed it.
You should also respond to those making comments on your own presentation.
Everything in pink is what I am saying in my PowerPoint presentation.
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Ripley, J. (2018, August 6). WORTHINGTON on Forgiveness Session 4- REACH model of forgiveness
[Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_oOiRezU9Y
Głaz S. (2019). The relationship of forgiveness and values with meaning in life of polish students. Journal
of Religion and Health, 58(5), 1886–1907. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-019-00860-4
Psychologists believe that forgiveness is a psychological construct. It concerns the change in attitude
towards the person who caused harm, what manifests itself in thinking, feeling, behaviour. All
developed concepts of forgiveness have some basic points, and they deal with the response to the harm
being done. Forgiveness definitions have included behavioural (Enright and Coyle 1998), affective
(Jaworski 2016), cognitive (Kaleta and Mróz 2016), and motivational (McCullough et al. 2000)
components. For a believer, forgiveness is an expression of God’s love and a response to the plea of a
man who is contrite for committed iniquities. It is often understood interchangeably with the remission
of sins, which belongs only to God. There is a connection with the sacrament of confession, called the
sacrament of penance and reconciliation. God’s forgiveness helps the believer to forgive to self, and
forgive to others (Jaworski 2016). The beginning of forgiveness takes place when the process of forgiving
is followed not only by the disappearance of negative thoughts, feelings of revenge, and hatred against
the perpetrator of harm, but also when positive thoughts and feelings about the perpetrator appear
Baskin, T. W., & Enright, R. D. (2004). Intervention studies on forgiveness: A meta analysis. ‐Journal of
Counseling & Development, 82(1), 79–90. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1556-6678.2004.tb00288.x
Everette Worthington. (2024). Evworthington-forgiveness. https://www.evworthington-
forgiveness.com/reach-forgiveness
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Lichtenfeld, S., Maier, M. A., Buechner, V. L., & Fernández Capo, M. (2019). The influence of decisional
and emotional forgiveness on attributions. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 1425.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01425
In line with the proposition by Worthington et al. (2007) that decisional forgiveness differs substantially
from emotional forgiveness, Lichtenfeld et al. (2015) show that emotional and decisional forgiveness are
indeed distinct subcomponents of forgiveness and, as a consequence, differentially influence cognitive
processes. In their study, emotional and decisional forgiveness were experimentally manipulated and
the results yielded a positive effect of emotional forgiveness on the subsequent forgetting of offense
relevant traits. One plausible mechanism explaining this positive effect of emotional forgiveness on
forgetting is that the offender is held less responsible for a transgression and, as a result, offense
relevant traits are less accessible for the victim and are thus forgotten. In line with that, we expected
emotional forgiveness to cause decreases in responsibility judgments of an offender.
Lichtenfeld, S., Buechner, V. L., Maier, M. A., & Fernández-Capo, M. (2015). Forgive and forget:
Differences between decisional and emotional forgiveness. PLOS one, 10(5), e0125561.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0125561
Worthington, E. L. (2006). Forgiveness and reconciliation: Theory and application (1st ed.). Routledge.
https://openlibrary.org/books/OL29428662M/Forgiveness_and_Reconciliation
Masaryková, M., Záhorcová, L., & Dršťáková, Ž. (2022). Qualitative analysis of psychologists’ views of
forgiveness in counseling and therapy. The Qualitative Report. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-
3715/2022.5377
Weir, K. (2017). Forgiveness can improve mental and physical health. American Psychological
Association, 48(1). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2017/01/ce-corner#:~:text=Worthington's%20REACH
%20Forgiveness%20model%20also,onto%20that%20forgiveness%20over%20time.
Worthington, E., Hook, J., Davis, D., & McDaniel, M. (2011). Religion and spirituality. Journal of Clinical
Psychology, 67(2), 204–214. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/jclp.20760?saml_referrer
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