Relational Therapy

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.

Relational psychotherapy emphasizes the therapeutic relationship as a powerful tool for healing, growth, and self-discovery. Using this approach provides a safe and supportive environment to explore and understand your patterns of relating to others. Through the building of a trusting therapeutic relationship, I can help you gain insight into your interpersonal dynamics, heal relational wounds, and develop healthier ways of connecting.

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.

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.

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.

Relational therapy, sometimes referred to as relational-cultural therapy, is a therapeutic approach based on the idea that mutually satisfying relationships with others are necessary for one’s emotional well-being. I believe that building authentic connection creates a space for vulnerability and ultimately change.

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.

As a therapist, I am keenly interested in the art and science of being "in-relationship." Good, relational psychotherapy is able to utilize the rich, dynamic, and here-and-now nature of the therapeutic relationship for the patient's benefit. I have found that patterns in the therapeutic relationship can often mimic patterns in patient's other relationships. Relationally-focused therapy can offer a reparative experience for those who have suffered neglect, abuse, and other relational traumas.

I am relational and systemic oriented, as my work centers around people and their experiences in relation to themselves, others, systems, and the world.

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.

Central to the relational therapy approach is the idea that we are shaped by our social world and relationships, and that having good relationships is essential for our wellbeing. The main goal of relational therapy is to examine how one's relationships with others have affected their emotional and mental health. Through this investigation, people can learn new techniques for creating healthier and more fulfilling relationships and a deeper awareness of their relationship patterns.

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.

As a relational therapist, what happens between you and me can sometimes replicate other relationships that you have in your life outside of therapy. As we get to know each other, we may look at how we are relating, and if we can find patterns in our relationship that are similar to other important relationships in your life. By looking at those patterns, we can sometimes find parts of you that are looking for some attention or healing.

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.

You are the expert on your own life. I don't do cookie-cutter therapy and each session is led by you, processing the things YOU want to focus on. AJ believes our relationships (even the one we have with ourselves) is the foundation for mental relief of the symptoms that often keep us stuck or immobilized. And AJ focuses heavily on the relationship between each client and himself to model healthy boundaries and ways of positively interacting.

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.

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