“I’m sorry” are perhaps the two most important and meaningful words in the entire vernacular. Yet, these two words are so hard to utter and oftentimes hard to accept as well. What makes saying “I’m sorry” so difficult? Why is it so hard for us as humans to take responsibility and express remorse for our actions and behaviors that have impacted others? Are there ways to better define the components that make up a truly outstanding apology in contrast to an awful attempt to make amends? Is an apology immediately related to forgiveness and letting go of resentment? Is there another way? Why do we sometimes find ourselves unable to stop hating someone who has wronged us? Can this be changed? Why do we sometimes find ourselves unable to give an apology? How can this be dealt with in a clinical lens? These are compelling questions that deserve our attention.

This training will offer a framework for understanding, delivering and accepting such an apology. From the small hurts of life to the biggest betrayals, we can offer our clients support, compassion and guidance. We will explore the many important and relevant clinical aspects of an apology, how to give one, how to receive one and sometimes how not to accept one as well. We will study the ingredients that make for an effective apology as well as those which guarantee the apology to nose-dive! This course addresses resentment, blame and anger as well as over-apologizers and non- or under-apologizers. Critically examining historical apologies we will show the evidence-based components of what goes into a sincere and healthy apology.

This training will provide much needed research and guidance in this highly-relevant topic that all humans must grapple with. It will show therapists how to help clients understand their resentment, pain and anger and a road to effectively take responsibility for their actions, leading to more meaningful interpersonal experiences. Finally, by helping clients understand the sacred area of giving and receiving forgiveness, we will affect healthy internal fortitude, esteem and satisfaction in lasting ways. The words, ‘I’m sorry’ can take trivial to severe matters and ruin or transform a relationship.