Relational–Cultural Therapy
Part of the bestselling Theories of Psychotherapy® Series from APA
In this third edition, Judith Jordan explores the history, theory, and practice of relationship-centered, culturally oriented psychotherapy as a tool for building meaningful connections in a world of increasing isolation.
This essential primer is ideal for students and practitioners alike, guiding them through the ins and outs of relational–cultural therapy (RCT). New to this edition is real-world research and guidelines related to distance learning, working with marginalized groups, and working towards social justice.
Jordan built RCT upon the understanding that people need social and emotional connections to flourish. In a digital era full of uncertainty and disconnection, it is more important than ever to mend relational resilience and reestablish positive, growth-fostering relationships. The therapist therefore works to deepen their bond with the client to help them build similar bonds outside of therapy. They work with the client’s relational images based on positive and negative experiences to manage expectations and teach relationship-building skills.
Series Preface
How to Use This Book With APA Psychotherapy Videos
- Chapter 1. Introduction
- Chapter 2. History
- Chapter 3. Theory
- Chapter 4. The Therapy Process
- Chapter 5. Evaluation
- Chapter 6. Future Developments
- Chapter 7. Summary
Glossary of Key Terms
Suggested Readings
References
Index
About the Author
About the Series Editor
Judith V. Jordan, PhD, is director of the Jean Baker Miller Training Institute, founding scholar at the Stone Center of Wellesley College, and assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. She codeveloped relational–cultural theory to emphasize the centrality of relationships in our lives. Dr. Jordan received the Distinguished Psychologist Award from the American Psychological Association’s Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy. She is on the editorial board of the Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session and the Journal of Creativity in Mental Health. Dr. Jordan frequently serves as a resource for the media, including The Oprah Winfrey Show.
Written with startling clarity, depth, and heart, Dr. Jordan’s third edition of Relational–Cultural Therapy provides us with a revolutionary new look at human development with profound implications for theory and clinical practice. Every person seeking therapy can hope that their therapist has discovered this life-changing model for creating authentic and mutually empowering relationships. In addition to being at the cutting edge of today’s psychological theories, this work is an invigorating celebration of true connection and human possibility, exactly what our world needs more of.
—Harriet Lerner, PhD, author of The Dance of Anger and Why Won’t You Apologize?
Judith V. Jordan brings this timely revision of the first truly democratic psychology to meet the current global crisis of isolation. A beautifully concise guide for clinicians and educators, Relational–Cultural Therapy is revolutionary in the way it centers the healing agency of mutually empathic relationships in all the settings and applications described here—individuals, couples, groups, organizations—and deals with a range of disconnections from trauma to ecology.
—Christina Robb, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of This Changes Everything: The Relational Revolution in Psychology
In this authoritative volume, Jordan meticulously delineates the history of relational–cultural theory and its continuing influence as a leading practice model of human development, healing, and growth through hope. She situates distortions of power as a primary source of human disconnection, identifying the harm not only to people who are culturally marginalized but to those who wield that power. Jordan draws formulations from neuroscience, mindfulness and somatic studies, as well as art and literature to substantiate the founding concepts of relational–cultural theory. Through clinical vignettes, she takes us into the heart of the art/science of relational–cultural therapy and reveals its founding convictions: to expand our vision and practice of human becoming.
—Maureen Walker, PhD, Author, When Getting Along Is Not Enough: Reconstructing Race in Our Lives and Relationships; Senior Scholar, International Center for Growth in Connection
Judith Jordan’s groundbreaking work on relational–cultural therapy is more important than ever. The new edition brings her work into the digital age and broadens her discussion of marginalized groups and social justice. Her emphasis on the healing power of connection is essential in this age of disconnection. She is a national treasure!
—Jean Kilbourne, EdD, Senior Scholar, Wellesley Centers for Women, and creator of the “Killing Us Softly: Advertising’s Image of Women” film series
