Relational Therapy

Relational psychotherapy is an offshoot of psychoanalysis or psychoanalytic psychotherapy, both of which have a long and varied history going back to Sigmund Freud. As its basic premise, psychoanalysis assumes that people are often unaware of the factors that contribute to their mental and emotional state, and that uncovering these unconscious processes and assumptions leads to wellness. The way it is practiced today, there is a wide variety of approaches and styles in psychoanalysis (i.e. Freudian, Jungian, Object-Relations, Relational) that can look and feel quite different from the stereotype of the silent analyst saying only “Mmm Hmm” as the patient talks. Psychoanalysis is distinguished from psychoanalytic psychotherapy by both the frequency and setup of therapy. In psychoanalysis the patient usually comes in 2 – 5 times per week and often lays on a couch facing away from the therapist, whereas psychoanalytic psychotherapy incorporates the same theories and methodology of analysis without the same level of involvement. Psychoanalysts are required to undergo an additional educational training that often lasts for many years before being able to be called an analyst and perform analysis, whereas many therapists work from psychoanalytically-informed perspective and are well-trained in a psychoanalytic approach.

Relationships can be the most beautiful experience. They can also be difficult and bring tremendous conflict and pain. Poor communication, unspoken conflicts, past pain, old traumas, these get in the way. Close bonds are fractured when the foundations of trust are weakened. This often presents in avoidance or escalated fights. Relational work allows partners to start to resolve serious issues, restore trust, and get the relationship back to healthy connectivity.

Relational therapy understands that our relationships with others can be at the core of our unhappiness or happiness, and that life can only be lived with others. And yet-- living with others can be hard! How do we bridge these two things? By understanding *your* role in a relationship, you can focus on where you have control and make your life and relationships better.

I value the relationship I build with my clients. Research shows this to be one of the most important factors in therapy. I believe that our hurts happen in relationships, but so does our healing. Therapy with me is a non-judgemental, unconditionally compassionate, and curious space. With these qualities, we build trust and a safer space where you can explore deeply without fear of shame or re-traumatization.

The primary reason I chose to become a marriage and family therapist is because I believe in the impact of relationships on our lives; therefore, I have spent the past several years consuming current studies on relational therapy.  I bring a curiosity to my practice that invites family dynamics, environments, friendships, and romantic relationships to have a role in one's identity.  I believe relational therapy techniques can be used with anybody - individuals, couples, families, etc.

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.

Therapy is a very particular kind of relationship, but a relationship none the less. Sometimes dynamics and patterns you experience outside of therapy will find their way into therapy too. This creates a perfect opportunity to work through whatever feelings may be coming up in the moment and to explore them in real time to create deeper understanding and change.

In my relational approach to therapy, the relationship between client and therapist is central to the healing process. I focus on building a safe, trusting connection where clients feel truly seen and understood. Through this relationship, we explore patterns in how you relate to others, while engaging in process-oriented therapy to uncover deeper emotions, thoughts, and behaviors as they arise in the moment. By working together in this collaborative space, meaningful self-awareness and change

Relational cultural therapy is my main lens of my work. I believe in authenticity with my clients and fostering that in my clients in order to live a fulfilled and meaningful life. Many mental health difficulties can come from internal or external events or ongoing issues that keep us from connecting with others in a meaningful way. With this, cultural context is incredibly important. It is all around around us and a part of us. It is pertinent to consider and work with diversity in everyway.

Working relationally means I will connect with you as myself. I am a real person in the room with you, with humor and personality. I am not a blank slate, I will not sit silently and stare at you while you talk. I will still maintain professional boundaries and the focus will always be on you, I will listen empathically and share in your human experience.

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.

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

This is my primary theoretical orientation.

We believe in the healing power of relationships. The therapeutic relationship can become an avenue to explore attachment wounds and traumas to help our clients feel seen and heard. We incorporate this approach into all of our work with both individuals and couples because we believe that relationships are at the core of all meaningful healing.

A strong therapeutic relationship between a patient and therapist is pivitor for growth and healing. I have a very relaxed and warm style that is grounded in relational-cultural theory. This means that I focus on building a strong therapeutic connection while exploring relationship patterns, identities, and cultural elements.