Relational Therapy

I truly believe the therapeutic relationship is a tool to be used in therapy. I think in order to heal our relationships we need to have a model of a relationship with healthy boundaries that you can depend on, and I try to cultivate that with the folks I work with.

My study of Relational Therapy began with some research work with Otto Kernberg and his interactions with an outpatient with borderline personality organization.

I utilize a strengths-based psychodynamic framework in my practice, fostering a therapeutic environment where individuals can explore their inner worlds and build resilience. My approach is rooted in humor, gentleness, and authenticity, ensuring that every interaction supports the growth and well-being of the individuals I serve.

In my relational approach to therapy, the relationship between client and therapist is central to the healing process. I focus on building a safe, trusting connection where clients feel truly seen and understood. Through this relationship, we explore patterns in how you relate to others, while engaging in process-oriented therapy to uncover deeper emotions, thoughts, and behaviors as they arise in the moment. By working together in this collaborative space, meaningful self-awareness and change

A big piece of our work in therapy will be examining how you feel in your relationships. We all have a deep desire to be known and understood, yet sometimes we get stuck repeating the same patterns that keep us from being truly seen, heard, and known. In our work together, we'll learn about these patterns and come to understand them with compassion for how they developed in the first place. In doing so, you'll be able to let go of patterns & fears keeping you from what you want the most.

As a therapist, I am keenly interested in the art and science of being "in-relationship." Good, relational psychotherapy is able to utilize the rich, dynamic, and here-and-now nature of the therapeutic relationship for the patient's benefit. I have found that patterns in the therapeutic relationship can often mimic patterns in patient's other relationships. Relationally-focused therapy can offer a reparative experience for those who have suffered neglect, abuse, and other relational traumas.

This is my core theoretical approach

I provide therapy from a relational-cultural frame, with attention to how the past affects the present. Relational-Cultural therapy focuses on how connection is a vehicle for healing as well as an outcome of healing. This therapeutic approach also considers how psychology has historically pathologized people based on identity (ex: sex, gender, ethnicity, race, religion, sexuality)

Relational therapy emphasizes relationships as key to understanding and healing psychological issues. It explores interpersonal dynamics with family, friends, and partners, using the therapist-client bond as a crucial healing factor. The therapist provides a supportive space, helping clients identify unhealthy patterns, build coping skills, and improve communication through collaboration.

Relational therapy is about strengthening relationship-building skills and addressing issues involving relationships from the past. It can also be defined as building a relationship with one’s therapist. Building connections with others helps initiate individual growth.

I often work with clients from a relational perspective which means that I look at their patterns of relating to others, and how these patterns often originate from relationships earlier in life. Even though they begin early in life, they often continue throughout life, and they may cause problems in adulthood. Once people are aware of the interpersonal patterns they are engaging in during adulthood, we are able to start working on altering them if needed.

Relational therapy understands that our relationships with others can be at the core of our unhappiness or happiness, and that life can only be lived with others. And yet-- living with others can be hard! How do we bridge these two things? By understanding *your* role in a relationship, you can focus on where you have control and make your life and relationships better.

I use relational psychodynamic therapy because I see the relationship we build together as the crucible of change: it acts as both a window into your interpersonal world, and also an arena in which you can try on new ways of being. We learn how to see ourselves and the world around in relationship, and this can become known and changed in relationship. In a non-judgmental, compassionate space, we contact and rework the dynamics that keep you feeling stuck, dissatisfied, and in pain.

I specialize in relational therapy, focusing on how relationships—past and present—shape emotional well-being. I help clients explore their patterns of connection, uncover unmet needs, and foster healthier, more fulfilling relationships. My approach emphasizes the therapeutic relationship itself as a model for building trust, understanding, and self-compassion, guiding clients toward deeper healing and meaningful personal growth.