In Network A weekly guide to women's midlife health. June 2026 |
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This spotlight is part of NEWH (Network for Enriching Women’s Health), a local resource helping midlife women find trusted providers and navigate care. |
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Many women carry disappointments, regrets, unresolved family dynamics, grief, resentment, or self-criticism that may have been pushed aside for years. Midlife can have a way of bringing those experiences back to the surface. This week, we explore forgiveness and forgiveness therapy. While many people associate cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with anxiety or depression, forgiveness therapy is a distinct, evidence-based approach that helps people acknowledge emotional pain, process its impact, and gradually release the resentment or emotional burden they may still be carrying. To learn more, we spoke with Caren Weingart, LCSW, BCD, founder of Therapy with Caren; Insights for Health. Meet Caren Weingart, LCSW, BCD Therapy with Caren; Insights for Health Caren Weingart, LCSW, BCD is the founder of Therapy with Caren; Insights for Health, where she helps individuals navigate the emotional and physical challenges that often emerge during periods of change and transition. Her work integrates evidence-based approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), with supportive and insight-oriented therapy tailored to each person’s needs, with a particular interest in the connection between mental and physical health. With more than 20 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families, she has advanced training in CBT for insomnia (CBT-I), CBT for menopause, health psychology, and forgiveness therapy. |
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Q: Many people hear the word “forgiveness” and immediately think it means excusing harmful behavior or reconnecting with someone who hurt them. What does forgiveness therapy actually mean in a clinical setting? A: Forgiveness is often misunderstood. It does not mean excusing harmful behavior, forgetting what happened, or reconnecting with someone who caused pain. In a clinical setting, forgiveness is a structured, evidence-based process that helps people acknowledge what happened, process the emotional impact, and work toward releasing the resentment or emotional burden they may still be carrying. Research has shown that forgiveness work can reduce anxiety, depression, and anger while improving overall emotional well-being. Importantly, forgiveness is something people do for themselves. It’s about creating emotional freedom and reclaiming peace, regardless of whether a relationship continues. |
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Q: In your work, how do you see unresolved resentment, anger, or emotional pain affecting a person’s mental and physical health over time? A: When emotional pain goes unprocessed, it often continues affecting both the mind and body long after the original experience has passed. Over time, unresolved resentment, anger, or chronic emotional stress can contribute to anxiety, sleep disruption, emotional reactivity, difficulty concentrating, and strain within relationships. Many people become so used to carrying emotional weight that they no longer realize how much energy it is taking from them. There is also growing research supporting the connection between chronic stress and physical health, including sleep, inflammation, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being. What I often see clinically is that when people begin processing and releasing some of that emotional burden, they frequently notice shifts not only emotionally, but in areas such as sleep, stress levels, and overall quality of life as well. |
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Q: You also mention self-forgiveness. How does self-forgiveness show up in your work, particularly for women who may carry guilt, regret, or self-criticism for years?
A: Self-forgiveness is often a very important part of the work, particularly for women who have spent years holding themselves to extremely high standards.
Many women carry guilt, regret, or self-criticism related to relationships, parenting, caregiving, career decisions, or moments they wish they had handled differently. Over time, that internal dialogue can become very harsh and emotionally exhausting. Self-forgiveness is not about avoiding responsibility or pretending mistakes did not happen. It is about acknowledging our humanity, understanding the context in which decisions were made, and allowing space for growth rather than remaining stuck in shame or self-punishment. When women begin relating to themselves with greater compassion and flexibility, it often creates a noticeable shift in emotional well-being, confidence, and overall sense of peace. |
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Good care exists. NEWH helps make it more visible. |
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© 2026 NEWH – NETWORK FOR ENRICHING WOMEN’S HEALTH OPERATED BY DR. CAROLINE M. ANGEL LLC (DBA: NEWH). ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The NEWH newsletter and directory are community-sourced resources, shared for informational purposes only. They do not constitute medical advice, formal endorsement, or provider review. Always consult your healthcare provider and insurance plan before making any decisions. Provider listings reflect personal experiences shared by NEWH members or direct submissions by the provider. Inclusion is not based on ranking, review, or clinical vetting. Please do not copy, repost, or redistribute this content outside of the NEWH community. Do not scrape, resell, or repurpose this list for external use — including other platforms, promotions, or business purposes. |
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Dr. Caroline M. Angel, LLC dba NEWH-Network for Enriching Women's Health
Westfield, NJ 07090, USA |
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