Forgiveness Intervention Model

Abstract

Abstract The literature suggests that the dynamics of an ongoing, cooperative, mutually supportive relationship between divorced parents are in the best interests of the children, as well as the adults involved. The Forgiveness Model for Coparenting presented here draws upon and synthesizes the literature on forgiveness and empirical studies to offer a therapeutic guide for clinicians working with individuals or couples in this situation. The intervention model is a three-stage conceptual framework, each stage having cognitive, affective and behavioral tasks. The therapeutic goal is to assist former partners to move beyond initial hostilities and resentment to more civil and mutually supportive interactions as co-parents.