This article was co-authored by Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW and by wikiHow staff writer, Madeleine Criglow. Kelli Miller is a Psychotherapist based in Los Angeles, California. Kelli specializes in individual and couples therapy focusing on relationships, depression, anxiety, sexuality, communication, parenting, and more. She is the author of “Love Hacks: Simple Solutions to Your Most Common Relationship Issues” which details the top 15 relationship issues and 3 quick solutions to each. She is also the award-winning and best-selling author of “Thriving with ADHD”. Kelli co-hosted an advice show on LA Talk Radio and was a relationship expert for The Examiner. She received her MSW (Masters of Social Work) from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA in Sociology/Health from the University of Florida.
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Forgiving someone that broke your heart takes lots of time. When someone really hurts you or treats you badly, it can nearly feel impossible. Though you should never feel pressure to forgive someone before you're ready, letting go of hurt, anger, and resentment can really help you heal and move forward.[1]
If you're struggling to forgive someone that broke your heart, read on for some tips on how to do it. Most likely, you'll find that forgiveness can be a great help in finding happiness after heartbreak.
This article is based on an interview with our relationship expert, Kelli Miller, licensed pyschotherapist and award-winning author. Check out the full interview here.
Steps
Forgive & Move Past Betrayal With This Expert Series
Expert Q&A
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QuestionCan you forgive someone who left you?Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSWKelli Miller is a Psychotherapist based in Los Angeles, California. Kelli specializes in individual and couples therapy focusing on relationships, depression, anxiety, sexuality, communication, parenting, and more. She is the author of “Love Hacks: Simple Solutions to Your Most Common Relationship Issues” which details the top 15 relationship issues and 3 quick solutions to each. She is also the award-winning and best-selling author of “Thriving with ADHD”. Kelli co-hosted an advice show on LA Talk Radio and was a relationship expert for The Examiner. She received her MSW (Masters of Social Work) from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA in Sociology/Health from the University of Florida.
PsychotherapistPossibly—but you'll need to give it time. Forgiveness is a process, not a single event. You might feel forgiving one day and then feel triggered and angry the next. That's totally normal!
Tips
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Everyone recovers from heartbreak on their own schedule. It may take a long time to be ready to forgive the person that broke your heart.[19]Thanks
References
- ↑ Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW. Psychotherapist. Expert Interview. 11 June 2020.
- ↑ Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW. Psychotherapist. Expert Interview. 11 June 2020.
- ↑ Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW. Psychotherapist. Expert Interview. 11 June 2020.
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mindful-anger/201409/how-do-you-forgive-even-when-it-feels-impossible-part-1
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mindful-anger/201605/how-do-you-forgive-even-when-it-feels-impossible-part-2
- ↑ Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW. Psychotherapist. Expert Interview. 11 June 2020.
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/forgiveness
- ↑ https://www.npr.org/2020/07/28/896245305/why-forgiving-someone-else-is-really-about-you
- ↑ Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW. Psychotherapist. Expert Interview. 11 June 2020.
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/psychology-self/2020/06/self-care-mental-health
- ↑ https://www.npr.org/2020/07/28/896245305/why-forgiving-someone-else-is-really-about-you
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/forgiveness
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/10-tips-for-navigating-heartbreak
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/10-tips-to-mend-a-broken-heart#5
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/10-tips-for-navigating-heartbreak
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mindful-anger/201409/how-do-you-forgive-even-when-it-feels-impossible-part-1
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mindful-anger/201409/how-do-you-forgive-even-when-it-feels-impossible-part-1
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mindful-anger/201409/how-do-you-forgive-even-when-it-feels-impossible-part-1
- ↑ https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/girlfriend-i-love-cheated-me-and-regrets-it-what-should-i-do