The following is a brief explanation of our "Four
Steps to Emotional Healing," the journey through which
trained counselors take their clients:
Admission and Grieving:
(Video) The first step toward victory
and healing, after a primary relationship has broken down, is
admission and grieving. As pain is poured out, healing begins
to pour in. "The rain of grieving will quench the fire of
rage."
Confrontation and
Disclosure: (Video)
The victim is now ready to confront his painful past and the offender(s)
who contributed to it. This process begins with a series of assignments
which are set forth in letter form by the victim to his parent(s)
and/or offender(s). When these written memories are applied, the
result is truly life-changing for the participant. The final stage
of confrontation and disclosure requires the victim to take accountability
for his offenses of retaliation toward his own victim(s). This
allows for complete restoration.
Forgiveness and
Reconciliation: (Video) This
third stage requires a purposeful decision on the part of the
victim to let go of the bitterness and rage that previously owned
him. He is not surrendering to the offender, but rather the bitterness
he feels toward the offender. The choice to forgive is always
difficult, but only this decision will bring genuine emotional
healing to the victim and those around him.
Restoration and
Healing: (Video) After
the victim has progressed through each of the three previous steps
to healing, he is now at peace with his past and able to regulate
his emotions. He must then make a contractual commitment to release
his offender(s) and move forward toward rebuilding his current
relationships. This results in emotional and relational healing.
Only then is he able to develop healthy and lasting relationships.
For more information on Bethesda Family Services Foundation,
feel free to e-mail us
today or call (570) 523-0605.
