Application To demonstrate forgiveness therapy as used in this study, I will apply it to a hypothetical client, “Faith,” a mother in her late 20s who is separated from her emotionally abusive husband, “Mark.” Mark engaged in controlling behaviors such as keeping tabs on Faith’s relationships, criticizing her housekeeping and parenting skills, prohibiting personal expenditures, and engaging in affairs, telling Faith that her behavior drove him to do so. As their relationship difficulties escalated, he became demonstrably violent, punching and throwing objects in a threatening manner. Post-separation, Faith feels that she has little energy to care for herself, as she is preoccupied with caring for her household, and still experiences guilt when she cares for herself. She would like to begin the process of emotional recovery so that she can carry on with more resilience and resourcefulness. Her initial screenings show that she experiences high levels of anxiety, mild to moderate depression, frequent feelings of guilt or regret, and anxiety-related headaches and insomnia. She also struggles with autonomy…show more content… The first goal is to reduce lingering resentment and accusatory suffering, with the intent that releasing this negative focus will reduce anxiety and depression. The second goal is to increase focus on Faith’s own personal abilities and qualities, encouraging the development of autonomy, compassion, self-confidence, good will, and a sense of purpose and meaning. At the outset, Faith’s therapist will discuss with her the meaning of “forgiveness” as it applies to her therapy. She will reiterate that forgiveness does not entail excusing Mark’s behavior or seeking reconciliation. Rather, Faith will gradually learn to release her resentment toward Mark, replacing accusatory statements with expressions of goodwill, such as a desire that he receive help in addressing his own