Relational Therapy

As a relationally-trained therapist, I specialize in working with clients by using a systemic perspective. This means that we will explore a client’s relationship to themselves, to others, and to society as a whole.

I provide therapy from a relational-cultural frame, with attention to how the past affects the present. Relational-Cultural therapy focuses on how connection is a vehicle for healing as well as an outcome of healing. This therapeutic approach also considers how psychology has historically pathologized people based on identity (ex: sex, gender, ethnicity, race, religion, sexuality)

For many of us, problems with our partners can be the most frustrating issues we have to face, leaving us feeling “crazy,” overwhelmed, and miserable. We start our relationships feeling hopeful, buoyant, and exhilarated, believing we have found our “soul mate”. All too often, this dream fades within years, and we do one of two things: we jump from one relationship to another, blaming problems on our partners; or we stay in a miserable union, hurting each other and/or stagnating.

Relational therapy emphasizes relationships as key to understanding and healing psychological issues. It explores interpersonal dynamics with family, friends, and partners, using the therapist-client bond as a crucial healing factor. The therapist provides a supportive space, helping clients identify unhealthy patterns, build coping skills, and improve communication through collaboration.

I see the therapeutic relationship as the foundation for the work of therapy. I strive to engage compassionately and authentically, and to enter into a collaborative space with the client that is based on building trust, openness, and curiosity. I invite clients to provide me with feedback about their experiences in our time together, as these reactions can often help us strengthen our relationship as well as build insight into patterns a client may be experiencing in the rest of their life.

since i believe the essence of trauma contains profound experiences of disconnection, i also believe in the profound necessity of connection, aka relationship. not only interpersonal relationships, but also cultural and systemic relationships. plus, research shows that the primary predictor of "successful" therapy is the relationship between counselor and client. i take a relational stance so that i honor not only the therapeutic relationship but also the entire web of a client's relationships.

Approaches therapy from a relational framework whether I work with individuals, relationships, or families. I explore issues in how people relate to others and their environments.

Relational therapy views the relationship with your therapist as the key to successful therapy. This relationship acts like a mirror, exploring how you interact with your therapist to learn about the patterns in your other relationships, identify the ramifications of such patterns, and find new ways of interacting with others. This therapy is ideal for those who push people away when they desire closeness.

Relational therapy focuses on the connections between you and others, whether it’s with a partner, family, or friends. Our relationships can deeply impact our emotional well-being, and sometimes, we need help understanding the patterns that show up in these connections. In relational therapy, we’ll explore how your past and present relationships shape your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and work together to improve communication, trust, and understanding.

A strong relationship between a therapist and their client is one of the signatories of growth, potential, and healing. I leverage the evidence-based principles behind therapeutic teamwork and draw from psychodynamic, relational, and behavioral modalities, specifically including the research surrounding Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP). I also employ the research of Peter Fonagy and others to assist clients with considering a reflective or mindful approach to their lives.

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.

My study of Relational Therapy began with some research work with Otto Kernberg and his interactions with an outpatient with borderline personality organization.

Relational psychotherapy emphasizes the importance of a relationship between a client and therapist in the healing process. It recognizes the relationship as a microcosm of a client's relationships with others and explores patterns of interaction that may contribute to difficulties. Clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships, emotional regulation, and interpersonal skills.

Relational therapy is founded in the belief that healing happens in the context of relationships with one another. This approach to treatment is based in strengths-based empowerment. Exploring your wants and needs in the relationships around you, as well as your relationships with yourself. Increasing connection with yourself and others can be profoundly transformative.

I use relational psychodynamic therapy because I see the relationship we build together as the crucible of change: it acts as both a window into your interpersonal world, and also an arena in which you can try on new ways of being. We learn how to see ourselves and the world around in relationship, and this can become known and changed in relationship. In a non-judgmental, compassionate space, we contact and rework the dynamics that keep you feeling stuck, dissatisfied, and in pain.

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.