RCT work is not about changing people to fit into dysfunctional cultural conditions, but empowering them to heal in connection, and in turn, to heal others in connection. A part of growth in connection often spills into participating in social change, through creating alliances or communities that are built around relational values. –Judith V. Jordan, Relational-Cultural Therapy
Embracing Relational-Cultural Therapy (RCT)
At our center, we are committed to Relational-Cultural Theory. We understand that people grow through and towards connection, and that our culture creates barriers to healthy connection. Our team of skilled clinicians applies RCT along with other evidenced-based mental health treatments to a wide range of challenges. The Center for Connection is also a home for clinical training and supervision in Relational Cultural Therapy. Everyone at BCC provides evidenced-based gender affirming care.
Our Diverse Team and Their Approaches
- Karen Hohnstreiter: Kare is a queer, sex-positive, neurodivergent, chronically ill, and fat advocate clinician, providing a unique perspective, using Relational Cultural Therapy to foster authentic and healing connections
- Amy Makice: Specializing in adults and children, using play-based methods, expressive exploration, and advanced RCT training.
- Hannah Gilchrist: Using RCT and a blend of art therapy, bibliotherapy, and mindfulness, helping couples, children, individuals, and LGBTQAI+ kids and adults.
- Nora McVey: A trauma-responsive clinician using RCT alongside mindfulness and emotion-focused therapy, with a background in crisis intervention and advocacy.
- Daniel Versweyveld: Offering a trauma-responsive approach incorporating RCT, solution-focused therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy, specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, and identity exploration.
- Thax: A client-centered, trauma-informed, and neurodivergence affirming therapist using RCT, DBT, and abolitionist/feminist therapies. Thax focuses on the LGBTQ+ community and diverse backgrounds.
- Constance Johnson: Constance combines RCT and EMDR in a trauma-informed and anti-oppressive approach, focusing on developmental trauma, LGBTQIA+ community, and those impacted by systemic issues.
Lower Cost Therapy:
The following are therapists in training, working directly under supervision of our LCSWs. They are able to offer therapy to those who may face financial challenges accessing services. In seeing a therapist-in-training, you not only get the benefit of someone right in the thick of learning the newest techniques, you also get the experience of their supervisor checking in and supporting the process every inch of the way.
- Sydney Hastings-Smith: Sydney is a Therapist in Training at the Bloomington Center for Connection from the Mental Health Counseling program at IUB. Sydney received their Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Theatre from Northwestern University, and combines academic rigor with a passion for the arts to create a unique, trauma-responsive, therapeutic approach.
Addressing a Spectrum of Mental Health Challenges
Our team is equipped to support clients facing a variety of issues, including depression, trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and stress. We see the negative cycle of shame, trauma, isolation, and chronic disconnection feeding into mental health challenges. We believe in the power of RCT to foster growth-fostering relationships, aiding in the healing process.
Our Commitment
We are dedicated to offering a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment. We celebrate diversity and are committed to breaking down barriers to wellness. Everyone at the BCC strives to provide actively anti-oppressive care. To that end, our team engages in ongoing work to uncover our own biases and contributions to inequity and oppression.
Get in Touch
To learn more about our team and how we can support you or your loved ones, please visit our team bios on our website. For appointments, refer to our sidebar or call us at 812-669-2227.