Relational Intensives: Deepening Connections, Transforming Families
At the Bloomington Center for Connection, we know families thrive through connection. Our Relational Intensives offer a unique, in-depth therapeutic experience designed to support families in building growth-fostering relationships. Grounded in Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT), our approach emphasizes the importance of mutuality, authenticity, and connection as the foundation for healing and growth.
What are Relational Intensives?
Relational Intensives are a focused, immersive therapy experience tailored to families of all shapes and sizes and their unique needs. These sessions go beyond traditional family therapy by creating a safe and supportive space to explore patterns, repair ruptures, and foster deeper understanding. Using the principles of Relational-Cultural Therapy, we help families, whether chosen families, or families of origin, move toward greater relational health by addressing challenges like:
- Communication breakdowns
- Caregiver-child conflict
- Navigating life transitions
- Healing from trauma or systemic oppression
- Supporting LGBTQIA+ family members
- Chronic illness
- Co-parenting
- Grief
- Intergenerational conflict
Why Choose Relational Intensives?
Relational Intensives are designed to provide concentrated time for families to work together, whether in a single day, a weekend, or a series of extended sessions. We want you to have time to practice and play in between meetings; your “homework” is as important as our sessions! This immersive format allows families to experience meaningful breakthroughs and practice new ways of connecting in real-time.
Our relationally informed approach prioritizes:
- Relational Safety: we create an environment where every family member can feel seen, heard, and valued.
- Mutual Growth: relationships are not about fixing one person, but about making room for growth for everyone involved.
- Cultural Awareness: your relationships do not exist in a vacuum. Relational dynamics are shaped by cultural and systemic forces, and we work to name these forces and choose how we address them.
What to expect
Your intensive will be customized to meet the specific need of your relationships. Together, we will:
- Identify Goals: clarify the challenges your family is facing and the connections you wish to strengthen
- Explore Dynamics: examine relational patterns and barriers to connection with curiosity and connection
- Practice Change: learn new ways of communicating, relating, and supporting each other through experiential exericises.
- Play with Joy: experience laughter and possibility, engaging in uncertainty and collaboration as you re-learn how to play together.
- Build skills: Develop tools to maintain and grow your family’s relational health long after the intensive is over.
Sessions may include guided conversations, expressive arts, sand tray work, relational gaming, or other creative methods tailored to your family’s needs and preferences. You might co-create. your ideal home or produce a raucous puppet show!
Who can benefit from relational intensives?
Relational intensives are ideal for families of all kinds, shapes, and sizes. Whether its supporting a family member with a unique need, healing from grief, navigating conflict, or improving communication, any relationship seeking to strengthen connection is welcome.
Accessible and Inclusive Care
We are committed to providing relational care that is affirming, anti-oppressive, and accessible. Relational Intensives are open to all family structures, including chosen families. Sliding scale options are available for those in need. For families needing more caution in public spaces, we can offer times when our building is less crowded, or offer
Start Your Journey Toward Connection
Whether you’re facing significant challenges or simply want to strengthen your family’s bonds, Relational Intensives can help you move toward the connection and healing you’re seeking.
Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation to explore how a Relational Intensive can support your family. Together, we can create the growth-fostering relationships that transform lives