Discover the healing power of apology and put its magic to work in your life "Beverly Engel has eloquently explained the power of apology in a remarkably insightful and perceptive manner. This book is a wise contribution to the ever-growing literature on forgiveness and reconciliation. No one has been better able to explain what an apology means and its role in reconciliation." Rabbi Charles A. Klein, Author, How to Forgive When You Can't Forget: Healing Our Personal Relationships "Readers of this wise and lucid guide to the neglected art of authentic apology will acquire a powerful tool to help repair relationships with others and with themselves." Jeanne Safer, Ph.D., Author, Forgiving and Not Forgiving: A New Approach to Resolving Intimate Betrayal "In The Power of Apology, Beverly Engel looks through the eyes of both giver and receiver. She provides practical, thoughtful advice on how our everyday use of apology can transform our lives for the better." Ted Wachtel, founder of Real Justice, coauthor of the bestselling Toughlove "An engaging and in-depth book on a subject that has rarely been addressed so intelligently and thoroughly. Ms. Engel offers the reader specific suggestions that can help you improve all your relationships." Steven Farmer, M.F.T., author, Adult Children of Abusive Parents "Apology is one of the most healing interpersonal social interactions. In The Power of Apology, Beverly Engel provides compelling evidence that apology can heal personal relationships and that it has the potential to transform families, communities, and this global village in which we live." Heather Wilson, Ph.D., Director, The Forgiveness Web(t),www forgivenessweb.com

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments. Introduction. THE POWER OF APOLOGY. Apology Is for Everyone. Why Learning to Give, Receive, and Ask for Apologies Is So Important. Why Apologizing Is Difficult for Some and Too Easy for Others. LEARN HOW TO GIVE A MEANINGFUL APOLOGY. The Right and Wrong Way to Apologize. LEARN HOW TO RECEIVE AND ACCEPT APOLOGIES. Opening the Door with Empathy. Overcoming the Seven Obstacles to Forgiveness. There Is a Time to Forgive--and a Time to Forget About Forgiving. LEARN HOW TO ASK FOR AN APOLOGY. Silence Isn't Always Golden. TRANSFORM ALL YOUR RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH APOLOGY. Healing Your Relationship with Yourself. Healing Your Past, Step 1: Make Your Apology List. Healing Your Past, Step 2: Make Amends. Healing Your Family When There Has Been an Estrangement. Healing Your Marriage or Romantic Relationship. Teach Your Children Well. Healing Your Business Relationships Through Respect and Compassion. Conclusion: The Apology Movement. Appendix: Two Ideas to Consider: Apology Circles and Restorative Justice. References. Recommended Reading. Index.

Author Biography

BEVERLY ENGEL has been a psychotherapist for over twenty-five years. A recognized expert in the fields of relationships, women's issues, and abuse, she is the author of fourteen books. She has been featured on Oprah, CNN, Ricki Lake, Sally Jessy Raphael, and other nationally syndicated programs.