Therapeutic Flow in RCT: a mindful approach to healing
Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT) views therapy as a complex flow that emphasizes presence over manualized interventions. Therapy involves establishing a safe relationship where the client feels a sense of supported vulnerability. The beginning sessions involve affirming the client’s experience and coping strategies so far. We honor Strategies of Disconnection/Strategies of Survival that have helped our clients get this far.
Demystifying Therapy
RCT emphasizes a power-with approach to therapy, describing the process of therapy, normalizing discomfort, describing the healing power of connection, and making room for any concerns or questions the client might have. While engaging in these tasks, the therapist is assessing for what the client might need to enhance a felt sense of safety.
Rather than trying to immediately dismantle strategies of disconnection, RCT practitioners take a respectful, appreciative approach. Over time, and with collaboration and authentic connection, client and therapist begin to assess whether or not these strategies are still serving the client’s well-being.
Discrepant Relational Images
As therapy progresses without replicating the past pain, clients notice and experience relational discrepancies. They find relationship patterns that are healthier than experiences that contributed to their challenges. This realization leads to significant shifts in how clients view themselves and their surroundings. For example, when a client expresses frustration and the therapist responds with understanding rather than anger, it redefines the client’s expectations of relationships.
Through this experience, clients gain courage: voicing disagreements or sharing moments of deep shame. These relational experiments help clients see their capacity to influence and change their relationships. They challenge previous negative beliefs about themselves, like not mattering or being seen. Through the development of relational mindfulness, client and therapist are able to focus on the relationship needs, strengths, and what they nee to deepen the experience. Listening with curiosity and engagement deepens the therapeutic connection.
Co-creating New Relational Experiences
Over time, this co-created therapeutic relationship allows clients to express more of themselves and engage with previously avoided feelings and desires. The therapist’s empathic presence helps clients navigate fear of seeking connection and relinquish maladaptive strategies. The therapeutic experience results in improved relationships and well-being outside the therapy room.
Rather than following a specific protocol or step-by-step procedure, RCT follows the lead and needs of the therapeutic relationship. Clinicians follow the flow of therapy, offering corrective relational experiences and opportunities to try new paths to finding connection and meaning. RCT offers a unique therapeutic approach where relational failures are responsively reworked, isolation is reduced, and profound healing occurs through the transformation of relational images. This not only changes the therapeutic landscape but also promotes lasting change in the client’s life.
During RCT in Practice, we explore how this unique flow of therapy creates mutually growth-fostering relationships and can even reduces clinician burnout. You can learn more at the RCT in Practice page, or fill out our interest form!
