Self-Forgiveness Workshop – Steps to Healing Shame with Self-Compassion (online by donation)
With Victoria Pawlowski M.Ed., R.C.C. and Laura Shakun, PsyD
September 13, 2026
Let’s face it, we all make mistakes. We’re fallible human beings. We hurt others and we hurt ourselves. As Lily Tomlin said, “The reason we hurt people is because we are people.” That’s also why self-forgiveness is a necessary skill for daily living. Research shows that self-forgiveness is even more strongly associated with personal wellbeing than forgiveness of others.
Why This Matters
When people think of self-compassion, they often think of self-forgiveness. However, self-compassion is only one step on the path to self-forgiveness. Self-forgiveness is delicate and complicated. We can create the conditions for self-forgiveness to occur, but when self-forgiveness happens, it happens quite on its own.
This 2-hour online workshop will consist of talks, exercises, and discussion. Participants will learn the 5 steps to self-forgiveness and have a direct, personal experience of each step. To open the door to practice, participants will also learn some key aspects of the theory and research on self-forgiveness.
Everyone is welcome to attend. It would be helpful, though it’s not necessary, for you to have some experience with self-compassion. After the course, you’ll be able to apply self-forgiveness skills in daily life. Professionals will be able to integrate the principles and practice of self-forgiveness into their work activities.
This 2 hour live online workshop will be offered on September 13th, 2026 from 2 pm – 4 pm PT (5 pm to 7 pm ET). The program will be offered free of charge by the teachers and the option for a donation to Bethlehem Centre will be offered during the registration process.
Teachers
Victoria Pawlowski is a Psychotherapist and Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher who has been practicing and teaching Mindful Self-Compassion at Bethlehem Centre since 2014. She is grateful for her co-teachers, mentors and all the participants who have shared this path of learning to turn towards our difficult experiences with the balm of self-compassion. Victoria is passionate about contributing to a more compassionate world through the development of personal skills and resources that can help us our include ourselves in our big arms of compassion for others.
Learn more about Victoria Pawlowski M.Ed., R.C.C.
Laura Shakun, PsyD is a clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience in clinics, hospitals, and private practice settings. She regularly incorporates Buddhist psychology, mindfulness, and compassion-based practices into her clinical work. Dr. Shakun is a trained teacher in the Mindful Self-Compassion course through the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion. She is delighted to share these practices, offering their benefits to cultivate a sense of well-being, kindness, and steadiness in daily life.
Learn more about Laura Shakun, PsyD