High Conflict Divorce: The Vital Role of Forgiveness in YOUR Healing with Dr. Gayle Reed

While forgiveness seems to be for the HCP, it is actually for you, the spouse. Forgiveness is not condoning, accepting, excusing or denying the abuse. Our guest takes us through a 4 phase process that helps you to uncover the impact of unforgiveness, examine the benefits of choosing forgiveness, begin the journey to forgive and the healing that journey invites and ultimately, how forgiveness, healing and growth is the cornerstone for finding meaning in the struggle with the HCP.

The psychological impact of living with a HCP crushes your self esteem often leaving you, the spouse insecure, reactive and bitter.

Our guest, Dr. Gayle Reed, shares how forgiveness is a healing balm for the spouse of the HCP. She explains the traumatic impact of verbal and emotional abuse and the psychological defenses you use to manage the resulting anger, pain and confusion.

Gayle Reed, a former psychiatric nurse, received a PhD from the University of Wisconsin--Madison under graduate advisor Dr. Robert Enright, internationally known leader in research on forgiveness and co-founder of the International Forgiveness Institute. Dr. Reed's own research on forgiveness has demonstrated that a forgiveness recovery program resulted in psychological benefits for women with a history of spousal psychological abuse and childhood sexual abuse. This research has been featured in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology and on the Jane Pauley show (NBC).

Journey Beyond Divorce Resources mentioned in this episode: