Relational Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Relational psychodynamic psychotherapy springs from Relational Psychoanalysis, an American psychoanalytic school of psychotherapy that began in the 1980s. It is a therapeutic approach that is increasing in popularity and considered revolutionary by some. This form of psychoanalytic therapy is based on a combination of interpersonal and object-relations theories. Interpersonal psychoanalysis focuses on the relationship between therapist and patient and one’s interpersonal life. Object relations is complex theory focusing on how our unconscious internalizes primary care figures and our relations with them, and how these early relationships become blueprints for our later relationships. Working with a patient’s past and present conscious and unconscious relationships helps patients identify relational problems and traumas that are holding them back so they can break their grip and move past them.
Essentially, the model is based on the notion that we are driven by the need for human relationships, affection, and love. Libidinal drives are seen as a manifestation of our need for affection and human relations. Thus, emotional well-being is enhanced by the ability to have satisfying relationships, both with one's self and with others. In practice, relational therapists aim to help patients understand their relational patterns and decrease the suffering that comes from them and to create deep change. One key factor in relational therapy is the relationship between therapist and patient, whereby a less hierarchical, more informal, compassionate and safe environment is critical. The changes that take place within the therapeutic relationship can be applied to the patient's relationships outside of therapy, enabling insight and fostering healing and change at a core level.
Relational Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Relational psychodynamic psychotherapy springs from Relational Psychoanalysis, an American psychoanalytic school of psychotherapy that began in the 1980s. It is a therapeutic approach that is increasing in popularity and considered revolutionary by some. This form of psychoanalytic therapy is based on a combination of interpersonal and object relations theories. Interpersonal psychoanalysis focuses on the relationship between therapist and patient and one’s interpersonal life. Object relations is complex theory focusing on how our unconscious internalizes primary care figures and our relations with them, and how these early relationships become blueprints for our later relationships. Working with a patient’s past and present conscious and unconscious relationships helps patients identify relational problems and traumas that are holding them back so they can break their grip and move past them.
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Essentially, the model is based on the notion that we are driven by the need for human relationships, affection, and love. Libidinal drives are seen as a manifestation of our need for affection and human relations. Thus, emotional well-being is enhanced by the ability to have satisfying relationships, both with one's self and with others. In practice, relational therapists aim to help patients understand their relational patterns and decrease the suffering that comes from them and to create deep change. One key factor in relational therapy is the relationship between therapist and patient, whereby a less hierarchical, more informal, compassionate and safe environment is critical. The changes that take place within the therapeutic relationship can be applied to the patient's relationships outside of therapy, enabling insight and fostering healing and change at a core level.
Relational Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Relational psychodynamic psychotherapy springs from Relational Psychoanalysis, an American psychoanalytic school of psychotherapy that began in the 1980s. It is a therapeutic approach that is increasing in popularity and considered revolutionary by some. This form of psychoanalytic therapy is based on a combination of interpersonal and object-relations theories. Interpersonal psychoanalysis focuses on the relationship between therapist and patient and one’s interpersonal life. Object relations is complex theory focusing on how our unconscious internalizes primary care figures and our relations with them, and how these early relationships become blueprints for our later relationships. Working with a patient’s past and present conscious and unconscious relationships helps patients identify relational problems and traumas that are holding them back so they can break their grip and move past them.
Essentially, the model is based on the notion that we are driven by the need for human relationships, affection, and love. Libidinal drives are seen as a manifestation of our need for affection and human relations. Thus, emotional well-being is enhanced by the ability to have satisfying relationships, both with one's self and with others. In practice, relational therapists aim to help patients understand their relational patterns and decrease the suffering that comes from them and to create deep change. One key factor in relational therapy is the relationship between therapist and patient, whereby a less hierarchical, more informal, compassionate and safe environment is critical. The changes that take place within the therapeutic relationship can be applied to the patient's relationships outside of therapy, enabling insight and fostering healing and change at a core level.
Dynamics
Through the therapeutic relationship, the therapist in the relational approach can self-disclose appropriately to help the process of treatment — this is a central part of the method. However, the main focus in session is to analyze patients’ relational patterns, what gets repeated, and their attachment style. We examine how their attachment style, past trauma, or other factors contribute to these patterns and impact relationships. With this insight, we begin to create change. As the therapeutic process advances, we analyze what gets played out within the therapeutic relationship so the therapist can provide not only insight into what is happening, but also a “corrective experience,” thereby helping the patient experience a healing response rather than a repetition of what has been wounding. In other words, together we try to have a better understanding of painful or unhealthy relationship patterns and how to change them.
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In this way, the relational psychotherapeutic process can lead to positive changes in the person’s interpersonal experiences outside of the therapeutic context. The unfolding therapeutic experience can ultimately bring about more satisfying relationship experiences, a healthier and stronger sense of self, and greater well-being.
While I incorporate other traditional psychological techniques, the psychotherapy I provide is relational at its core. This is not only because I have come to understand that having and forming relationships is an innate human need and a driving force behind behavior, but because throughout my twenty-one years of counseling experience, I have witnessed the power of the therapeutic relationship to impact and change the lives of patients.