Research shows the value of forgiveness in suicide prevention, recovery from a suicide attempt, when families/friends are affected by an attempt, and when an individual dies by suicide. Forgiveness is not regularly practiced or understood. We will teach on one model of forgiveness (based on the work of Dr. Robert Enright). We will also reflect on the presenter’s mental health journey and how forgiveness has served as a protective factor in his journey of addiction recovery.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn the role of unforgiveness in suicidal thinking and addiction.
• Understand the Enright Forgiveness Model.
• Learn practices to prepare to forgive and live a mentally healthier life.

Presenter: Tim Markle is founder and director of Forgiveness Factor. Forgiveness Factor exists to promote forgiveness as a way to live mentally well. Tim teaches classes, workshops, seminars and speaks about forgiveness, suicide prevention, and addiction recovery in Wisconsin and nationally. He also works at the Waisman Center at UW-Madison with the Southern Regional Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs