Grow with Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT)
Learn. Inspire. Transform.
At the Bloomington Center for Connection, we believe that relationships are the foundation for healing ourselves, each other, and the world. In a time when disconnection and division seem insurmountable, Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT) offers a way forward.
RCT reminds us that connection isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a necessity. It’s how we figure out who we are, what we value, and how we can create change. For over 25 years, we’ve been practicing and teaching RCT, guiding individuals, families, and professionals toward more authentic relationships that heal wounds and foster mutual growth.
Through RCT, we learn to connect with courage and authenticity, even in difficult conversations. We gain tools to bridge divides, amplify marginalized voices, and create the kind of connections that change not just our own lives but the world around us.
Why Relational-Cultural Theory?
Relational-Cultural Theory offers practical, transformative tools for navigating relationships and building connection in a divided world. It helps us:
- Connect Authentically: RCT invites us to show up as our full selves, creating space for growth and mutual understanding.
- Heal Through Connection: By working on our disconnections—whether personal or cultural—we foster relationships that support and sustain us.
- Navigate the Central Relational Paradox: Move from hiding parts of yourself to embracing vulnerability as a path to deeper connection.
- Practice Disruptive Empathy: Gather the courage to step into another’s experience, breaking down the barriers that divide us.
- Find One True Thing: (and then maybe another true thing) Identify and live by the truths that guide you toward authentic relationships and me
When we engage with RCT, we don’t just learn relational skills—we learn how to heal ourselves, each other, and our communities through connection.
Grow with Us
We offer a variety of opportunities to help you learn and practice these relational tools:
For Everyone:
- Workshops on Disruptive Empathy: Build skills for having meaningful, courageous conversations across differences.
- Our Relational Cadre
- Relational Skills Discussion Groups: Practice and refine your ability to connect authentically.
- Visualizations and Interactive Exercises: Engage in transformative experiences that bring RCT concepts to life.
For Clinicians and Professionals:
- RCT in Practice: A program designed for relational-cultural clinicians seeking to deepen their practice.
- RCT Learning Circle: Join a community of professionals committed to integrating RCT into their work.
- Clinical Supervision and CE Opportunities: Find support, learning, and continuing education credits to enrich your professional journey.
RCT: a framework for life
Relational-Cultural Theory isn’t just for therapists—it’s for anyone who wants to create meaningful, growth-fostering relationships. Imagine helping your family catch up to the conversations we need to have about gender, race, and equity. Picture yourself navigating conflict with courage and compassion.
RCT provides the tools to connect authentically, bridge divides, and heal disconnection. It empowers us to advocate for marginalized voices and work toward a more just and connected world.
Together, we can amplify these connections and create the change we wish to see.
Memory updated
Here’s an updated version of the Grow parent page, incorporating your podcasts and the 2024 theme:
Grow with the Bloomington Center for Connection
Learn. Inspire. Transform.
At the Bloomington Center for Connection, we believe that relationships are the foundation for healing ourselves, each other, and the world. In a time when disconnection and division seem insurmountable, Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT) offers a way forward.
RCT reminds us that connection isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a necessity. It’s how we discover who we are, what we value, and how we can create change. For over 25 years, we’ve been practicing and teaching RCT, guiding individuals, families, and professionals toward more authentic relationships that heal wounds and foster mutual growth.
Through RCT, we learn to connect with courage and authenticity, even in difficult conversations. We gain tools to bridge divides, amplify marginalized voices, and create the kind of connections that change not just our own lives but the world around us.
Why RCT?
Relational-Cultural Theory offers practical, transformative tools for navigating relationships and building connection in a divided world. It helps us:
- Connect Authentically: RCT invites us to show up as our full selves, creating space for growth and mutual understanding.
- Heal Through Connection: By addressing disconnection—whether personal or cultural—we can foster relationships that support and sustain us.
- Navigate the Central Relational Paradox: Move from hiding parts of yourself to embracing vulnerability as a path to deeper connection.
- Practice Disruptive Empathy: Cultivate the courage to step into another’s experience, breaking down the barriers that divide us.
- Discover Your One True Thing: Identify and live by the truths that guide you toward authentic relationships and meaningful action.
When we engage with RCT, we don’t just learn relational skills—we learn how to heal ourselves, each other, and our communities through connection.
Podcasts: Growing Together
Our podcasts explore the principles of RCT in action, offering insights and inspiration to help you navigate relationships and foster growth:
- My Racist Friend: A podcast about the messy parts of relationships that help us grow together, hosted by Don Griffin and Amy Makice. Through candid conversations, we explore how connection can move us through conflict and misunderstanding.
- Cadre: Join Amy Makice, LCSW, and Kevin Makice as they delve into RCT concepts, supplementing the monthly Relational Cadre conversations.
The current theme for 2024 is Playful Connections, an exploration of play as a creative process of transformative connection and a key to growth, resiliency, and joy. This theme also shapes the upcoming Relational Summit, happening September 5-8, 2024, in Bloomington, Indiana.
Grow with Us
We offer a variety of opportunities to help you learn and practice these relational tools:
For Everyone:
- Workshops on Disruptive Empathy: Build skills for having meaningful, courageous conversations across differences.
- Relational Skills Discussion Groups: Practice and refine your ability to connect authentically.
- Organizational workshops: Invite an RCT practitioner into your organization for a customized workshop
- Visualizations and Interactive Exercises: Engage in transformative experiences that bring RCT concepts to life.
For Clinicians and Professionals:
- RCT in Practice: A program designed for relational-cultural clinicians seeking to deepen their practice.
- RCT Learning Circle: Join a community of professionals committed to integrating RCT into their work.
- Clinical Supervision and CE Opportunities: Gain expert guidance and continuing education credits to enrich your professional journey.
RCT: A Framework for Life
Relational-Cultural Theory isn’t just for therapists—it’s for anyone who wants to create meaningful, growth-fostering relationships. Imagine helping your family catch up to the conversations we need to have about gender, race, and equity. Picture yourself navigating conflict with courage and compassion.
RCT provides the tools to connect authentically, bridge divides, and heal disconnection. It empowers us to advocate for marginalized voices and work toward a more just and connected world.
Together, we can amplify these connections and create the change we wish to see.
Ready to Grow?
Join us in learning how to foster connection and create change.
- For RCT in Practice: Fill out our registration form today!
- For everything else: Contact us to find the right fit for your journey.
Let’s grow together.