Relational Therapy

Relational therapy is a therapeutic approach that was founded on the belief that a person must have fulfilling and satisfying relationships with the people around them in order to be emotionally healthy. Relational therapy handles emotional and psychological distress by looking at the client’s patterns of behavior and experiences in interpersonal relationships, taking social factors, such as race, class, culture, and gender, into account. Relational therapy can be useful in the treatment of many issues, but is especially successful when working with individuals seeking to address long-term emotional distress, particularly when that distress related to relationships. Relational therapy will help clients learn skills to create and maintain healthy relationships. Think this approach might be right for you? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s relational therapy experts today.

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The relationship you have with your psychotherapist is often indicative of how you relate outside of the therapy office. Similar patterns and projections arise -- we use the therapeutic relationship as a way of exploring your core needs and past traumas, and ultimately as a form of healing.

— Jeffrey Kishner, Mental Health Counselor in , NY

We grow through and towards relationship. My training emphasizes the importance of relationships to our mental health.

— Jason Wang, Psychologist in Washington, DC
 

A relational approach is humanistic and person-centered. It views individuals as containing an innate capacity to heal from within; we can understand our problems and have the resources within ourselves to resolve them. Therapy from a relational perspective rests in the relationship between the client and therapist, has a flexible structure, and is minimally directive.

— Rebecca Bruno, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Pasadena, CA

I believe the therapeutic relationship is the biggest influence on change. I see a relationship built within the psychotherapy room as a catalyst to repair old attachment wounds, or core wounds. By having a consistent, stable relationship we can safely break down maladaptive relational patterns and practice new ones. A relational approach believes that through the therapist up, down or co regulating with a client they can better tune into their own emotional experiences.

— Lucy Roth, Clinical Social Worker
 

Relational therapy is similar to psychodynamic therapy, in that it focuses more the relationship between patient and therapist. Both modalities understand that it is through the relationship that a person heals. We are formed in relationship. We are harmed in relationship. And we heal through relationship.

— James Nole, Counselor in Seattle, WA

I often work with clients from a relational perspective which means that I look at their patterns of relating to others, and how these patterns often originate from relationships earlier in life. Even though they begin early in life, they often continue throughout life, and they may cause problems in adulthood. Once people are aware of the interpersonal patterns they are engaging in during adulthood, we are able to start working on altering them if needed.

— Ginny Kington, Psychologist in Duluth, GA
 

The secret sauce to good therapy is the relationship between therapist and client. This is why you've probably heard so much about "fit." For therapy to work, you need to feel safe. It's not that you'll trust your therapist right away, because trust has to be earned and built. But you'll have the sense you can share personal or vulnerable information with your therapist and they'll hold it close, with love and respect.

— TESSA SINCLAIR, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CA

As a Marriage and Family Therapist I am always steering couples and individuals towards relational health. Moving towards relational health can be challenging. Often it requires stronger boundaries which upsets the dynamics families and couples are used to. However, the rewards of relational health are living a more purpose, authenticity, and joy.

— Kelly Edwards, Marriage & Family Therapist in Austin, TX
 

We encourage you to view the therapeutic space as your “relational home,” where your experiences will be honored and held by our empathetic team of clinicians. Our goal is to collaborate to help you make meaning of your story, ultimately searching for opportunities for relief and personal growth. By embracing what happens in the therapeutic relationship, valuable information is gained and is helpful in our understanding of you and your opportunities for growth and healing.

— Brown Therapy Center, Psychotherapist in San Francisco, CA

Relational therapists believe that those who have been harmed within the context of a relationship must be healed withing the context of a relationship. The therapeutic relationship is built upon mutuality, authenticity, and collaboration. The therapist recognizes the power that they do hold as the "expert" within the relationship and is intentional about creating a power-with dynamic, where the client's agency and self-determination is fostered and encouraged.

— Beth Holzhauer, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Evanston, IL
 

I am highly relational in my work with clients, and I strive to create a space where clients feel deeply known, seen, and understood. I believe that in the context of such a relationship, hopefulness and change organically take place. I foster a therapy environment where clients can feel seen, valued, and understood. I see therapy as a collaboration between your lived expertise and my clinical expertise, and value the opportunity to get to know you and your story.

— Tori Cherry, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Chicago, IL

In a new electronic age connecting can be difficult. Connecting with someone long distance can be even more difficult. I work with couples that are trying to navigate more Lon distance relationships feel prioritized, create healthy habits and rituals with one another, and increase overall intimacy and blending of your lives together.

— Rebecca White, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Orlando, FL
 

We are formed in relationships. Using the therapeutic relationship as a tool is a powerful way to integrate theory into practice. Slowing down and noticing the process of therapy can have a profound impact.

— Zem Chance, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Eugene, OR