Relational Psychotherapy: Transforming Your Sense of Self

How do you treat yourself? Are you tough or understanding? Does this belief in yourself translate into how you treat those in your life as well?

As the title of this articles suggests, relational therapy helps people develop a good sense of belief in themselves. The more you have a strong sense of self, the more you can improve the relationships in your life as well.

That is what we want to explore today how to improve those relationships.

What is Relational Psychotherapy

Relational psychotherapy helps individuals who suffer from “chronic emotional, psychological, and/or relational distress.”

That is because our emotional well-being dictates our ability to have a satisfying relationship with others. This new-found emotional and relational well-being all starts with a solid connection that the therapist and patient create together.

By creating a safe, supportive, and engaging relationship, it demonstrates to the patient how they can re-create this relationship in other aspects of their life.

Additionally, it shows patients how to notice and remove the destructive relationships as well.

Why does someone need relational psychotherapy?

If a patient currently does not have the emotional well-being to be in productive, supportive relationships then generally this is because they had some type of stress or emotional upheaval in the past that affected their ability to connect with people today.

We are very much a product of our environment. Therefore, if we feel that no one cares for us, then we reflect that opinion to others in the world.

The new relationship with the therapist redirects this thought making process. It also serves as a model for future relationships.

This goes against the traditional psychoanalysis that Freud postulated about how humans are biologically rooted in in sexual and aggressive drives. He felt that these drives were the fundamental root of all therapy.

Relationalists conversely believe that our interactions with others determines our expectations about the world. This all starts with the primary caregivers in our life.

They are the first ones who frame our relational experiences in the world. That is why many abandoned babies have trouble later in life.

Their first relationship had trouble, which means they do not have a framework to successfully create good relationships with others. However, if they are then re-introduced into a loving environment it is very possible to change the direction of a person’s psyche and relations.

As kids we mimic what we see around us in the world. If all we see is arguing, then we believe that to be the modus operandi for everyone in the world.

Conversely, growing up in a loving household gives a child a feeling of love. They grow up with a sense of worth. This can never be taken away from them.

Final Thoughts

How do you relate to those around you? Do you live in a loving environment, or are you always in strife?

If you are looking to improve that dynamic, then take the first step by contacting Smith Psychotherapy today at 847-824-8366.