Promoting reconciliation through psychoeducational and therapeutic interventions

This article presents a conceptualization of reconciliation as an interpersonal process that can mend relationships in which trust has been violated. We define reconciliation and describe a six-step program for promoting explicit reconciliation in couples. Psychoeducational groups of couples and couple therapy are often the contexts for promoting reconciliation. We discuss some theoretical support for each step, techniques used to promote progress through the step, and differential considerations in psychoeducation and therapy.