What is Relational Psychotherapy?
Over the years, my clinical practice has been profoundly influenced and shaped by Relational Cultural Theory (RCT), a model that has arisen out of what is now called the Jean Baker Miller Training Institute, and was referred to in the past as The Stone Centre model.
Relational Cultural Theory asserts that as human beings, we grow through and toward relationships, or "connection", throughout our lifespan and that chronic relational disconnection and violations are a primary source of human suffering, at a personal and societal level.
In the past few years, neuroscientific data has shown that we come into the world ready to connect. The new research is providing hopeful data about the lifelong malleability of the brain, and is demonstrating that we are hardwired to connect! These relatively recent advances in neuroscience have simply corroborated the understanding of relational development posited by the Relational Cultural theorists.
The late Jean Baker Miller suggested that growth-fostering relationships are marked by these "five good things":
- Zest
- Clarity
- Productivity
- Sense of worth
- Desire for more connection
I love to see my clients grow in these ways.
Relational Resources:
Jean Baker Miller Training Institute
Round Table discussions with RCT scholars (You Tube)
