Self-Forgiveness Exercises Handout

Self-forgiveness challenges often include deep-rooted guilt, shame, and a tendency to hold oneself to unrealistically high standards. These feelings can make it difficult for individuals to let go of self-blame and move forward.

Mental health professionals can help clients learn to forgive themselves by guiding them through processes of self-compassion, reframing negative thoughts, and helping them understand the importance of learning from mistakes rather than being defined by them.

It can be difficult for a person to forgive themselves when they have a strong sense of guilt, shame, or fear of judgment or when they struggle with perfectionism and hold themselves to impossible standards.