As the world becomes increasingly complex—social upheaval, political strife, and personal stress—it’s tempting to withdraw and attempt to manage alone. However, Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT) emphasizes that connection is not just beneficial, it’s essential. Relationships provide the structure for healing, resilience, and sustainable well-being. The CARE Assessment, developed by Dr. Amy… Read More »CARE-ing for your mental health
When relationships feel stuck, it’s often because partners have fallen into familiar patterns that do not promote true connection or growth. These patterns provide a sense of security and certainty, so we cling to them. However, patterns of chronic disconnection create a cycle where the same arguments happen over and… Read More »Getting in the MUD
Avoiding a “Model Me” Disconnect In Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT), Maureen Walker’s concepts of “Model Me” and “Not Me” describe the internalized narratives we carry about who we believe we should be and who we believe we must never be. They are more about how we are perceived than how we… Read More »Relational Parenting TGNC Kids
Countering Fear-Based Narratives with Relational Wisdom Fear is a powerful motivator. It fuels defensiveness, reinforces hierarchies, and creates division with ease. In a rapidly changing world, fear-based narratives like those promoted by figures such as Jordan Peterson, can seem appealing. These narratives often offer a sense of order and certainty… Read More »Neuroscience and Relational Wisdom
Connection, not control Neuroscience is a great tool for understanding human meaning-making. It helps us map our inner workings, offering insight into how our brains respond to stress, relationships, to exclusion, and more. But like the saying goes, neuroscience can be used to hammer when really what’s needed is a… Read More »Neuroscience for Connection
Therapy isn’t about proving the validity of connection through science; it’s about creating growth-fostering relationships that honor our shared humanity. Neuroscience, when used thoughtfully, can help illuminate the path forward without overshadowing the relational wisdom that guides us.
Burnout, then, is not simply an individual failing or a byproduct of working too hard. It is a signal that something in our relational ecosystem needs attention.
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
How To Keep Going On Monday evenings I’m lucky enough to get and talk with one of my best friends about whatever comes up. We record it, and sometimes it turns out to be something worth sharing with the world. Sometimes it’s an in-depth discussion about Dick Van Dyke being… Read More »Love Needs Fighters
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.