Self-Forgiving Processes in Therapy for Romantic Relationship Infidelity: An Evidence-Based Case Study

Self-forgiveness is related to positive connections with self and others and may be particularly important for clients who have hurt others. Relational hurt is heightened within the most intimate relationships and is particularly salient in cases of romantic relationship infidelity. Therefore, self-forgiveness may be indicated for romantic partners who have engaged in infidelity. This evidence-based case study examines the treatment of a Caucasian woman in her early 50s who presented with self-unforgiveness following marital infidelity. An 8-week manualized individual counseling program for self-forgiveness was used, which incorporates emotion-focused therapy techniques and principles of positive psychology to facilitate clients' engagement with a 4-component therapeutic model of self-forgiveness-responsibility, remorse, restoration, and renewal. This evidence-based case study demonstrated the importance of emotion-focused techniques in the client's emotional recovery, as well as the ways in which the intervention served as a eudaimonic process that resulted in the client's personal and relational well-being.