Relational Therapy

Often times, the therapist-client relationship is most healing, which is the basis of relational therapy.

As humans, we are relational beings. I believe that what transpires in the therapy room is a unique and valuable exchange that enables a non-judgmental, in the moment discussion of how we are impacting one another.

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.

A good portion of my Relational Therapy is informed by experience combined with the Imago lens. I have found that relationships are usually helpful crucibles for change and thus have learned how to use the therapy relationship as a part of that crucible. Practice has helped me to find that some of my personal stories are useful in pointing out patterns. It helps to demonstrate the humanness of our dilemmas in order to help a client see that their challenge is natural, given their situation.

Relational psychotherapy, an approach that can help individuals recognize the role relationships play in the shaping of daily experiences, attempts to help people understand patterns appearing in the thoughts and feelings they have toward themselves. I look at how to bring balance back into your relational agreements, explore consent and how it shows up in your relationship (or not), how to help clarify communication, and look at attachment styles.

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.

We are all relational beings seeking to make sense of the ourselves, others and the world. In response, the therapeutic relationship can be used as a vehicle to gain insight, self-compassion and understanding. Slowing down to consider why we (and others) act, believe and think the way we do can result in healthier relationships and boundaries while getting our needs met.

The foundational theory that I apply to my work is called Relational Cultural Therapy. This is a model that gives us a lot of language for thinking about how our personal and ascribed identities play roles in our lives-- how we are made to feel connected or disconnected from people around us. Our experiences of connection and disconnection tend to play profound roles in our development and exploring this frequently an important aspect of effective therapy.

As a Marriage, Couple and Family Therapist, I believe relationships are central to our experience of the world. We take into consideration the effects on each person's life of differences in power or equality as well as the impact of social issues such as class, race, gender, and culture. Relational therapy is collaborative and supportive.

Relational therapy delves into the fabric of our interpersonal relationships and how they shape our mental health. This form of psychotherapy recognizes that each person's unique experiences within their relationships profoundly influence emotions and behaviors. I work with clients on all kinds of relationships in their life, friends, family, work relationships, and romantic relationships/partnerships.

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

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.

My relational approach is influenced by attachment theory and psychodynamic therapies. I believe healing happens in the space between therapist and client through attuned, authentic connection. Sessions focus on our relationship and the interpersonal dynamics unfolding in the room. My role is to be fully present and engaged with you and your unfolding narrative without judgment. I believe the therapeutic relationship is the vehicle for increased self-awareness, vulnerability and change.

Instead of thinking of "mental health problems" as being located "inside" someone, I find it much more useful to think of experiences like depression, anxiety, and trauma as manifestations of the way people relate to the world, to other people, and to the various sides or parts of themselves. Perceiving and understanding these dynamics as they play out in real time between patient and clinician can be a powerfully experiential means of inducing change that goes beyond intellectual insight.

My treatment orientation is fundamentally centered around the quality of the therapeutic relationship itself as a crucial mechanism of change. This perspective is rooted in the belief that healing occurs within the context of interpersonal connections. I view relationships as the lens through which clients can understand themselves and their interactions with the world around them

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