The Science of a Meaningful Life: Forgiveness and Gratitude

This seminar will feature presentations by two of the world’s leading experts on forgiveness and gratitude—Frederic Luskin and Robert Emmons.


  • Venue: Berkeley, CA
  • Date: September 25, 2009

This seminar will feature presentations by two of the world’s leading experts on forgiveness and gratitude—Frederic Luskin and Robert Emmons.

Dr. Luskin will teach participants the “Nine Steps to Forgiveness” training he has validated through successful studies, including his famed Stanford Forgiveness Projects. This research, as well as others’ research, has consistently shown that forgiveness increases physical vitality, optimism, hope, compassion, and self-confidence while reducing anger, blood pressure, hurt, depression, and stress.

Dr. Luskin’s presentation will combine lecture with a hands-on approach to forgiveness. Participants will explore forgiveness with the goal of reducing hurt and helplessness, letting go of anger and grudges, and increasing their feelings of confidence and hope. They will also learn how to facilitate forgiveness in others through a combination of cognitive therapy and narrative approaches, intermixed with mindfulness and guided imagery practices.

The seminar will also feature a brief presentation by UC Davis psychologist Robert Emmons, whose groundbreaking research has shown how gratitude—in many ways the foundation of forgiveness—can promote health, happiness, and strong connections to others. Dr. Emmons will discuss the profound benefits that come from practicing gratitude, and he will highlight research-tested methods for boosting gratitude in everyday life.

Attendees Will Be Able To:
Identify Dr. Luskin’s “Nine Steps to Forgiveness”
Indicate the positive mental and physical benefits of practicing forgiveness
Practice simple techniques for facilitating self-change and emerge with an enhanced repertoire of therapeutic skills to help others
Formulate an expanded view of the mind-body connection and how it relates to emotional and physical well-being
Identify research-tested methods for boosting gratitude in oneself and others

Agenda
(All sections led by Frederic Luskin unless otherwise noted) 

8:30 - 9:00 a.m.  Registration and check in
9:00 - 10:00       Robert Emmons, PhD, on the science and practice of gratitude
10:00 - 10:15     Break and book signing
10:15 - 12:00     The science of forgiveness: Research into the mind-body connection and its relationship to emotional and physical well-being
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.  Lunch (on your own)
1:00 - 2:15         Learning the “Nine Steps to Forgiveness”
2:15 - 2:30         Break
2:30 - 3:30         Cognitive disputation and narrative approaches to forgiveness
3:30 - 3:45         Break
3:45 - 4:45         Simple techniques for facilitating self-change and building a repertoire of forgiveness skills to help others


Greater Good Seminar Series
The Greater Good Science Center (GGSC) is an interdisciplinary research center, based at UC Berkeley, that explores the roots of happy and compassionate individuals, strong social bonds, and altruistic behavior.
 
Its “Science of a Meaningful Life” seminar series is designed to help audiences apply groundbreaking scientific findings to their personal and professional lives, especially for mental health workers and other care providers.


Become A Member of the Greater Good Science Center And Receive Discounts
Discounts are provided to members of the Greater Good Science Center. To become a member, go to www.greatergoodscience.org.


This series is made possible through a generous grant from the Quality of Life Foundation.


Co-sponsors
The Greater Good Science Center and the International House at UC Berkeley.


Continuing Education
Course approval for Psychologists, Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors and Nurses

This seminar is approved for 6 CE hours. 

Continuing Education is co-sponsored by R. Cassidy Seminars.

Psychologists R. Cassidy Seminars is approved by the American Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists.  R. Cassidy Seminars maintains responsibility for this program.  (6) hours.

Social Workers CA: Course meets the qualifications for (6) hours of continuing education credit for MFTs and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, Provider #PCE418. This course provides 6 CE hours.

Marriage and Family Therapists CA: Course meets the qualifications for (6) hours of continuing education credit for MFTs and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, Provider #PCE418. This course provides 6 CE hours.

Chemical Dependency Counselors Provider approved by CAADAC, Provider #4N-00-434-0210 for (6) CEHs.

Occupational Therapists: Occupational therapists will receive a certificate of attendance for 6 CE hours.

Nurses - CA: Provider approved by the CA Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #CEP12224, for (6) contact hours.