Can apologies assist in the healing of past wounds? This paper will be applying a psychoanalytic formulation of “apology” to both the political and the clinical arena. I will attempt to compare the use of apologies within the psychoanalytic space and within political institutions such as the South African “Truth and Reconciliation Commission.” I will expand on the psychodynamics of resentment, apologies, and the hope of forgiveness. The symbolic power of apology in fueling the forces of reparation and transforming resentment into forgiveness will be addressed.