Access the Workbook
The REACH Forgiveness workbook is available for download for free in five languages and provides an easy-to-follow, step-by-step approach for working through the process of forgiveness.
The Global Impact of REACH Forgiveness
Dr. Worthington and researchers from around the world talk about the impact of the REACH Forgiveness Workbook and its efficacy in reducing unforgiveness, and symptoms of depression and anxiety.
About the Tool
The science of forgiveness has provided exciting insight into how people forgive and the impact it has on us. Researchers and mental health professionals have applied these findings in the creation of tools to elucidate the process and help people to forgive.
The REACH Forgiveness workbook is one of those tools, and it has yielded impressive results in faith communities, educational settings, and with individuals who have sought out its step-by-step approach to reaching forgiveness mindfully. The largest-ever forgiveness study of its kind found that people who followed the REACH Forgiveness workbook showed significant reductions in unforgiveness, depression symptoms, and anxiety symptoms, compared to a group who was delayed in receipt of the workbook.
Well over 30 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have supported its use around the world in psychoeducational groups or with DIY workbooks. The REACH Forgiveness group protocol has been specifically accommodated for Christian beliefs and values and tested in large randomized controlled trials with Christians. Numerous studies document that secular REACH Forgiveness groups and DIY workbooks work equally well with other faith traditions.
The evidence is clear: the REACH Forgiveness model is an effective supplemental therapeutic and preventive tool.
Forgiveness in Action
Forgiveness in Action
Forgiveness in Action
Faith leaders, mental health professionals, and educators provide direct support, education, and counsel to people in their communities on why and how to forgive. Learn more about how this tool can be accessed and deployed by the practitioners bringing forgiveness to the world.
Flip through the panels on the right to learn more.
For Mental Health Professionals
For Mental Health Professionals
Mental Health Professionals
REACH Forgiveness groups and do-it-yourself workbooks are highly effective for psychotherapy and can be utilized in group therapy sessions. Results are positive, including decrease in depression and anxiety symptoms and increase in hope and flourishing. REACH Forgiveness has also been proven successful in numerous studies as part of couples therapy.
For Educators
For Educators
Educators
Tool creator Dr. Everett Worthington is a frequent collaborator with forgiveness education experts, and his REACH Forgiveness model has been shown to be very effective in educational settings, and in colleges, in particular.
For Faith Leaders
For Faith Leaders
Faith Leaders
Though specifically tailored for Christians both as a group protocol and a self-guided workbook, REACH Forgiveness has been used in secular groups and with other religious denominations, including Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and others.
Recall the hurt
Face that you have been hurt, but make a decision to forgive and not pursue retaliation.
Empathize with your partner
Work to understand why you may have been wronged, allowing you to heal from hurt and give forgiveness.
Altruistic gift
Forgive unselfishly.
Commit
Write a note to yourself about who you forgave to help the forgiveness last.
Hold onto your forgiveness
Even when you have doubts, stay committed to forgiveness and do the work necessary to be more forgiving.
About the Author
Everett L. Worthington, Jr. is Commonwealth Professor Emeritus at Virginia Commonwealth University and is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in Virginia. He says that his passion is to help people experience peace if they are plagued by resentment, bitterness, or anger.
Dr. Worthington has created the REACH Forgiveness model (see www.EvWorthington-forgiveness.com), which has been supported by over 30 randomized controlled trials worldwide. Workbooks (1.5 hours) are available for downloading in Word, at NO cost, at https://reach.discoverforgiveness.com in English, Spanish, Chinese, Ukrainian, and Indonesian. He has published over 500 scientific articles or chapters and 45 books on subjects like forgiveness, humility, couple counseling, and Christian beliefs, values, and practices. His life mission is, "To do all I can to promote forgiveness in every willing heart, home, and homeland."
Worthington and his wife Kirby have been married since 1970, and have four adult children and six grandchildren. He plays pickleball (preferably singles in tournaments), and he ballroom dances.