Recently, the media has highlighted many examples of individuals not taking responsibility for harmful actions or failing to apologize effectively. Why is it that so many people struggle to say “I’m sorry” without caveats or defensiveness? Research indicates that a major obstacle to interpersonal repair is shame. Individuals who are highly defended listen less effectively, are blocked from authentic experiences of empathy and are less open to and forgiving of differences in values, behaviors and communications.
While the skillset around apologizing effectively is relatively straight-forward and simple, the practice of apology can be incredibly challenging. This workshop will highlight examples of interpersonal conflict including situations in which systemic oppression (racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, transphobia) plays a part in the division. We will explore the ways our intentions sometimes fail us and how, we may inadvertently degrade our sense of self by viewing our behaviors through a reductionist, judgmental lens. Finally, we will discuss the practice of forgiveness and how to hold a compassionate view of ourselves while correcting relational missteps.
*Please note: In order to be eligible for CE credit, you must register with your full name (as it appears on your professional license) and your license state and number.
Approved for 2 contact/clock hours of continuing education credit by the Continuing Education Institute of Illinois in collaboration with the University of Illinois Department of Family Medicine for the following professions:
Jenn Brandel