Relational therapy is a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the importance of relationships as a means of healing and growth. It may be beneficial for individuals who experience difficulty with communication, trust, and intimacy.

Relational therapy (RT), also known as relational-cultural therapy, is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes the importance of forming relationships that strengthen or improve emotional well-being.

It focuses on using interactions with the therapist as a model to develop healthy behaviors to create and maintain meaningful relationships.

It’s important to remember that RT may not be suitable for everyone. Identifying what your relationship goals are can help you determine if this approach is the best fit for you.

Learn more about how you can decide if RT is right for you, what you can expect, and how you can prepare for your sessions.

Relational therapy is based on the idea that healing occurs not in isolation, but rather through connection.

It uses the relationship between the therapist and client as a model for understanding what a healthy relationship should look like. During your sessions, you will be encouraged to explore your feelings and experiences related to your relationships.

Some of the key goals of RT include:

  • using interactions with the therapist as a model for developing healthy relationships
  • identifying and overcoming harmful or unhealthy behavior patterns in past or present relationships
  • learning how to create and maintain authentic connections

Learning how to develop meaningful relationships is vital for our mental health and emotional well-being. In fact, a 2024 review found that building strong social connections can improve mental health conditions such as:

RT may also help you to unpack any trauma from past relationships and find healing in a safe, supportive, and compassionate space.

If you feel unsafe in your relationship right now

If you are experiencing abuse or feel unsafe in your relationship, it’s important to seek help. Many support options are available to help you right now.

You can get emergency support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from the National Domestic Violence Hotline. For free, confidential help:

  • call 800-799-7233
  • text START to 88788
  • chat online

During your sessions, you will be encouraged to explore your feelings and experiences related to your relationships. The therapist will pay attention to:

  • any patterns or attachment styles that come up
  • what your core needs are in a relationship
  • whether you’re able to express your feelings easily
  • where your current beliefs about relationships stem from

They will then work with you to do the following based on your individual needs:

  • challenge any negative beliefs or patterns that arise, with respect and without judgement
  • unpack how your past experiences may be influencing present relationships
  • recognize how social and cultural factors may be influencing how you establish and maintain healthy and meaningful relationships
  • teach you how to identify and voice your emotional needs
  • build skills like confidence, self-compassion, and the ability to be vulnerable

Remember, the overall goal in RT is to work in collaboration with your therapist and use your sessions as an opportunity to model behaviors that you would benefit from implementing in your own relationships.

Relational therapy may be a good fit if you:

  • feel lonely but find it difficult to create or maintain relationships
  • often feel disconnected from others
  • find it difficult to be open, vulnerable, and trusting in your relationships
  • feel as though you lose your sense of self in relationships, or regularly feel like you’re too much or not enough
  • have experienced neglectful, unhealthy, or harmful relationships in the past
  • would like to explore your relationship needs on a deeper level as well as growth opportunities

It can also be helpful to keep in mind that RT:

  • is long-term and may not always follow a structured approach
  • is only effective if you are willing to explore your emotions and experiences in depth
  • often has slow pace and gradual progress

If you’re still unsure of whether RT is the right approach for you, it may be helpful to have an initial consultation with a therapist first. During this time, you can discuss your goals and learn more about the approach being offered to determine if it will suit your needs. A therapy consultation is often offered at a reduced rate or is free.

Relational therapy is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes the importance of forming relationships that strengthen or improve emotional well-being.

The primary difference between relational therapy and CBT is that relational therapy emphasizes the therapeutic relationship as a model for change, whereas CBT focuses on reframing negative thought patterns.

Yes, relational therapy can help with anxiety, as it can reduce the negative mental health effects that can be caused by stressful relationships.

Relational therapy (RT), also known as relational-cultural therapy, is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes the importance of forming relationships that strengthen or improve emotional well-being.

This approach may be most beneficial for individuals who experience difficulty with communication, trust, and intimacy in relationships.

It’s important to remember that RT may not be suitable for everyone. Identifying what your relationship goals are can help you determine if this approach is the best fit for you.