How Connections Heal: Stories from Relational-Cultural Therapy

by Maureen Walker (Editor), Jean Baker Miller (Foreword), Wendy B. Rosen (Editor)

From faculty and associates of the Stone Center's Jean Baker Miller Training Institute, this practice-oriented casebook shows how relational-cultural theory (RCT) translates into therapeutic action. Richly textured chapters-all written especially for this volume-explain key concepts of RCT and demonstrate their application with diverse individuals, couples, families, and groups, as well as in institutional settings. Emphasizing that relationship is the work of therapy, case narratives illuminate both the therapist and client factors that promote or interfere with movement toward connection. Highlighted are the ways in which cultural contexts profoundly influence relationships; how growthful connection inevitably includes conflict; and how experienced therapists work on a moment-by-moment basis to engage with and counteract personal and cultural forces of disconnection.

Genres: Psychology, Mental Health, Counselling, Nonfiction

258 pages, Paperback

First published April 21, 2004

Reviews

[Shana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relational-Cultural Therapy is person-centered and focused on the relationship between the client(s) and the therapist. This therapeutic orientation is very appealing to me, as it acknowledges the existing power structures that come into play within the interactions and allows space for both clients and therapists to exist authentically and as humanly as possible. This book, while repetitive at times due to the various contributors, helped exemplify what these exchanges might look like in various settings and how different practitioners put the theory to use.