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An image of a shelf in the therapy office in Bloomington Center for Connection with Amy Banks' Relational-cultural Theory, Wired To Connect book and a rainbow sculpture above it

Therapy Without Diagnosis

When we think about therapy, we often associate it with mental health diagnoses like anxiety or depression. But what if you’re struggling in ways that don’t fit into a diagnostic box? Job stress, loneliness, relationship difficulties, a big loss, or a sense of being stuck—these challenges don’t always come with… Read More »Therapy Without Diagnosis

A drawing of 6 people holding hands surrounding a heart

Rethinking Self-Care

Relational care isn’t just about individual relationships—it’s about creating a cultural shift. In a society that often prizes independence above all else, relational care values interdependence. It challenges the notion that we must carry our burdens alone and instead reminds us that we thrive together.

2 hexagon cards with one including text defining Boundaries as a place where we meet rather than a separation or barrier.

Relational Boundaries

Boundaries: A Place of Meeting, Not Separation In the framework of Relational-Cultural Therapy (RCT), boundaries are reimagined. No longer something that you might “set” on someone, they become a matter of stating your own limits. Instead of rigid lines that separate us, boundaries are places of meeting—flexible, responsive spaces where… Read More »Relational Boundaries

A picture of a roll of paper where people have drawn rainbows and pride slogans

Supporting Transgender Youth

Navigating shame and cultural barriers with Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT) In a society where rigid gender norms and misinformation about trans identities persist, families often face cultural pressure that can lead to feelings of shame or uncertainty about their role. Yet, for trans and gender non-conforming youth, family acceptance is crucial… Read More »Supporting Transgender Youth

An image of the front and back of a card, the back has a reflected image of a geode cracked open; the front says "Disruptive Empathy: A relational practice that helps us drop narratives of who we should or should not be. It reminds us that what we experience as repugnant is also human and may be a disowned part of our selves. Embracing uncertainty invites healthy conflict and creates possibility.

Disruptive Empathy

What a week. A platform that endangers transgender youth and adults, decimates reproductive freedom, and glorifies violence has been elevated to leadership in all branches of our federal government. Where do we even start (other than pragmatic preparations to keep our loved ones safe)? How we navigate this period isn’t… Read More »Disruptive Empathy

A picture of two playing cards from our RCT Toybox, one with the words Mutuality is the shared experience of affecting one another. It is a joining based on all participants being open to the relationship. Mutuality requires emotional availability and willingness to change. It differs from reciprocity, which is a transactional expectation. The other card has a silhouette of a child and an adult reaching for each other

The Practice Of Mutuality

Relational-Cultural Theory’s take on mutuality is what we need right now. The overwhelm of politics makes it easy to disconnect—not only from others but from the broader currents of culture that shape our lives. Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT), which emphasizes that people grow through and toward connection, suggests a powerful antidote:… Read More »The Practice Of Mutuality