Relational Theory: All About Relationships Essay

Relational Depth comes from the book entitled ‘Working at Relational Depth in Counselling and Psychotherapy’ (2005), Dave Mearns and Mick Cooper. ‘Such an

Relational theory is built on the assumption that there is an inherent tendency for people to maintain relationships with others (Hutchinson, 2015). Relational theory is the integration of several psychodynamic theories, such as object-relations theory, self-psychology, and interpersonal psychoanalysis, into a larger perspective which acknowledges that the mind exist in relation to others (Segal, 2013). This theory’s origins in psychodynamic theory can be seen in key concepts such as the assertion that human behavior is significantly impacted by past relational patterns (Segal, 2013). Although past relationships are viewed as influential, relational theorist maintain individuals’ can exercise agency and that actions can be influenced but

1.1 Key principles of relationship theories - Stage theories in general describe how we go through distinct stages as we develop. Thus, rather than gradually changing, we typically make sudden shifts to different plateaus of perception and behaviour.

The world around us is immense. It is filled with extraordinary individuals, places and experiences. The bonds we form are ceaseless. Every relationship that is formed is one that we would like to experience over and over. Relationships in the world vary from one individual to another but, it is a solid connection that we as a people want to shape in our lives. The different connections that are formed, shape our identity and the identity of who we will become in the coming future. A relationship is a way in which two or more objects, people or concepts are connected. To me a relationship can mean many things but one way that I believe every relationship has is beauty. A way where objects, concepts and people can connect is beautiful because it Is new.

Proponents of relational-cultural therapy (RCT) reject an intrapsychic explanation of distress and instead operate based on an understanding that external social structures and interpersonal relationships have a significant effect on emotional and psychological well-being. In addition, a non-deterministic view of human development is taken and special attention is paid to the influence of various socialization processes, such as gender-role socialization (Miller, 1976). According to Miller and Stiver (1997), a person 's sense of self develops in the context of their interpersonal relationships. Growth is achieved through interacting with others and developing meaningful connections, rather than through striving for independence. While traditional theories typical focus on independence as an indicator of mature functioning and psychological health, RCT emphasizes the importance of interdependence. From Miller 's (1976) perspective, personal growth

The identified problems in the family are the lack communication, rigid boundaries, and weak subsystems within the family. The structural family therapy focuses on the interactions with the family rather than focusing exclusively on the identified person or patient (Nichols, and Tafuri, 2013). In addition, through utilizing, the structuralism approach, the family will be able to think beyond symptomatic behaviors and see their choices and process relationships between group members and other systems (Vetere, 2003). The family will also be able to broaden their understanding of how each family member contributes to the problem or communication patterns within the family (Nicols et al., 2013). Furthermore, based on the research structionalism will encourage the family to problem solve in a safe therapeutic environment (Vetere, 2003). In therapy, the family will be able to express their feelings and thoughts without judgments or bias from the therapist.

The therapist fails to correct the relational patterns of the client when faced with client-induced countertransference (Teyber & McClure, 2011). The therapist is to be providing treatment that will facilitate change so that the client can be successful in their current and future relationships. Some effective therapist can identify client-induced countertransference while some therapist later discover it. The discovery of client-induced countertransference can be beneficial earlier rather than later so that the relationship between therapist and client continues to produce effective

Relationships, especially primary ones like intimate partnerships or child/ parent relationships have a profound impact on a person’s health physical as well as mental. They can have positive affects or negative ones. (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). According to the DSM-V, the diagnoses for the Winchester family consist of two primary and one secondary problem. After conducting the initial interview and reviewing the assessments, the therapist has diagnosed the family with the following problems.

There are many reasons why families seek help for issues they cannot solve on their own. In the movie Jenny’s wedding the members in the family system could have learned better ways to handle the news that Jenny wanted to marry another woman. Structural family therapy looks at the organization of the family, such as the subsystems, boundaries, and the hierarchies between the system members. By using the structural family therapy model I will break down the problems that are presented and give a treatment plan that could help.

Structural family therapy is a systems theory and as such, the family is viewed as a system comprised of various subsystems. These subsystems are hierarchically masterminded and exist to support the errands essential for family working. The essential subsystem of the family are spousal, parental, and kin. “The subsystems are characterized by interpersonal

The research involving the use of assessments for this theory is scarce. However, in a study of contextual therapy theory’s relational ethics in couple’s therapy, Gangamma et al. (2012) utilized two assessments to gain a greater knowledge of each partner’s perspective within the relationship. They utilized the Relational Ethics Scale (RES) and the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS). The RES was used to measure each partner’s perception of relational ethics in their current relationship, which included aspects of trust, loyalty, and entitlement in both vertical and horizontal relationships (Gangamma et al., 2012). Vertical relationships for this scale measured each individual's perceptual relationship with their family-of-origin while horizontal relationships measured each individual’s perceptual relationship with their partner (Gangamma et al., 2012). Some questions on this scale included items such as, “I could trust my family to seek my best interests,” and “I do not trust this individual to look out for my best interests.” Higher scores on this measure indicated a perception of fairness within their current relationship (Gangamma et al.,

There are many variables that influence the success of therapy for the client, none more so than the therapeutic relationship. The therapeutic relationship is defined as the strength and collaborative relationship between the client and therapist that emphasises mutually agreed goals and tasks within the context of a strong affective bond (Horvath, 1994.) In the therapeutic relationship, the clinician offers care, touch, compassion, presence, and any other act or attitude that would foster healing, and expects nothing in return (Trout, 2013.) Some clinicians believe that the “therapeutic relationship is a precondition of change, others as the fertile soil that permits change, while others see it as the central mechanism of change itself” (Norcross, 2010.) This is not to devalue other variables that impact the success of the therapy such as client involvement and the treatment method.

There are two main theories applied to relationships, Social Exchange Theory and Equity Theory underpin commonly used behavioural therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Integrative Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. More recent studies in neuroscience and behaviour and the importance of language have led to the development of Relational Frame Theory and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as an alternative approach. In this essay I will outline the relationship models comparing and contrasting them. I will also introduce and briefly touch on Relational Frame Theory and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as an additional approach to couples counselling and offer considerations which an

In the strategic and structural family therapies, the therapist’s position was not extensively discussed. However, there has been an emphasis for the therapist to be respectful and empathic in session. For instance, a structural family therapist, in order to produce change, needs to first join with the family members. In joining, the therapist conveys acceptance and respect of family members and their ways of doing things. In this manner, the Milan group’s concept of neutrality is connected with the structural therapy’s concept of joining. The intent for both therapists is also to allow the family members to listen to each other’s stories. While in neutrality, it is a stance that is undertaken throughout the therapeutic process, the structural therapist may move into realigning the boundaries and restructuring the hierarchies in the family. To achieve that, the structural therapist may at times align with one family member. This is where neutrality ends for the structural therapist.

In this world, to live a life, everybody needs someone to always be there by their side. It is not possible to stay alone and be happy at the same time. We can lower our pain by sharing it, or increase our happiness if we can share our happiness with others. People stand with us, share our feelings, bond with us and become a part of our life. We can’t imagine the life without the people who matter the most to us. Some we meet with the needs, some meet with destiny and some stays from the very first day of our life. These connections and commitment of being there make relationships. There is different steps, ways and views of every relation. Trust, love and respect are three different ways to show the importance of our relationship.