Our Therapists on - Apology & Reconciliation

• Heath Greene, PhD, on families—
  A parent apologizing to a child or adolescent can be a very powerful and healing interaction. In my experience, parents being able to admit their own imperfections can help their children connect with them more, remove barriers in communication, and help their children see them as more authentic or “real.”
  
  
• Jane Bailey, MA, LPC, on couples—
  When dealing with couples, I find that spouses have a proclivity to nurse, curse, and rehearse a lifetime of grudges with and about one another. A sincere apology and the Godly asking for forgiveness is the key to moving forward into a healthier marriage. If we avoid conflict, we create it.
  
  
• Rebecca Lowry, MA, LPC, on individuals—
  Many times we get stuck because we cannot forgive ourselves for past decisions or behaviors that resulted in negative consequences. There is healing and subsequent growth when we come to the place where we can fully accept Jesus’ forgiveness and through His grace forgive ourselves.
  
  
• John Shuler, MDiv, MA, LPC, on the spiritual dimension—
  As a Christian counselor, when I hear the concept of apology and reconciliation, I can’t help but see the spiritual aspect of this whole idea. We all need reconciliation that comes from God. When we find ourselves separated from the Lord, we should find it appropriate and freeing to apologize to God for our misdeeds and find His reconciliation!

  ©2007 Associates in Christian Counseling, all rights reserved.

Why I Serve - Scott Gerding

Scott Gerding joined the Board of Directors of Associates in Christian Counseling in the spring of 2006.

“Before I had ever heard of Associates in Christian Counseling, I met Joe Verga at New Canaan Society, a men’s fellowship we both attend. I heard him share his testimony one morning and we began to strike up a friendship. He was my introduction to ACC,” said Scott. Read More

Book Reviews

The Five Languages of Apology
Gary Chapman, PhD, and Jennifer Thomas, PhD
Northfield Press, 2006

Just as we all have different love languages, individuals also hear and express the words and gestures of apology in different languages. To explore this ground-breaking research, New York Times best-selling author Gary Chapman has teamed up with psychologist Jennifer Thomas on this revolutionary study of the way we apologize, discovering that it's not just a matter of will–it's a matter of how. By helping people identify the languages of apology, this book clears the way toward healing and sustaining vital relationships. The authors detail proven techniques for giving and receiving effective apologies. This insightful guide includes an Apology Assessment Profile that will help readers identify their own Apology Languages and those of others.