As human beings, our closest relationships lie at the core of our mental wellbeing. Research shows that without meaningful connections, we struggle to thrive—and as infants, we cannot even survive. Our brains are wired for connection; our very sense of self and independence depends on relationships as the foundation of our being.

Relational psychotherapy centres on the relationship and trust built between the client and the therapist.

It is this connection between the client and therapist that creates the space for greater self-awareness and meaningful change to take place.

We understand psychological growth as emerging through relationships that are both mutually empathic and mutually empowering.

From this understanding of human development, it follows that achieving the best outcomes in psychotherapy requires a trusting relationship and a strong therapeutic alliance between the client and therapist. Combined with an empathic and genuine approach from the therapist, these elements are essential for success.

A relationally focused therapist must be attuned to the client’s process, their own internal process, and the dynamics of the relationship between them in order to provide the most effective therapy. By using the therapeutic relationship as a third element, the therapist and client can explore it as a reflection of how the client engages in relationships beyond the therapy room.