Relational Savoring

In Relational Savoring, Dr. Borelli guides a client in identifying memories with strong attachment content related to his son, and then helps him focus deeply on their emotions and meaning associated with these memories. She leads the client through two phases—memory selection and memory reflection. The demonstration in this video is framed by an informative discussion hosted by Dr. Jay Lebow.

Relational savoring is a brief, strengths-based intervention for enhancing relationship outcomes and well-being. Grounded in attachment theory and positive psychology principles, the approach centers around helping clients identify moments in which they experienced emotional security in their relationships, either when they provided sensitive care to another person or received this type of care.

Jessica L. Borelli, PhD, is a professor of psychological science at the University of California, Irvine. She received her PhD in psychology from Yale University and completed her predoctoral internship at the University of California, Los Angeles Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. Dr. Borelli’s work focuses on the intersection of attachment relationships and health, with a particular focus on the impact of relationships on emotion. She has published more than 150 journal articles in her area of interest. In addition to writing journal articles, she enjoys teaching and speaking to the public about the science of relationships.

In collaboration with Dr. Stacey Doan, she is the author of a parenting book, Nature Meets Nurture: Science-Based Strategies for Raising Resilient Kids (APA LifeTools). Alongside her academic work, she is a practicing psychologist specializing in children and families, and is the clinical director of Compass Therapy, a private practice in Newport Beach, California.

She lives in Irvine, California, with her husband and three children, with whom she enjoys laughing, singing, and all forms of silliness.

APA Videos

Relational–Cultural Therapy Over Time 
Judith V. Jordan, PhD

Working With Emotion in Emotion-Focused Therapy
Michael A. Tompkins, PhD, and Norka T. Malberg, PsyD

Shame and Anger in Therapy
Leslie S. Greenberg, PhD

Emotionally Focused Therapy With Couples
Leslie S. Greenberg, PhD

Parent–Child Interaction Therapy
Cheryl Bodiford McNeil, PhD

Emotion-Focused Family Therapy
Adele Lafrance, PhD, CPsych

Family Therapy Over Time
Susan H. McDaniel, PhD

APA Books

Relational Savoring: Using Guided Reflection to Strengthen Relationships and Improve Outcomes in Therapy
Jessica L. Borelli, PhD

Undoing Aloneness and the Transformation of Suffering Into Flourishing Trauma and Racial Minority Immigrants: Turmoil, Uncertainty, and Resistance
Diana Fosha, PhD

Forgiveness Therapy: An Empirical Guide for Resolving Anger and Restoring Hope, Second Edition
Robert D. Enright, PhD, and Richard P. Fitzgibbons, MD

Relational–Cultural Therapy: Second Edition
Judith V. Jordan, PhD

Emotion-Focused Family Therapy: A Transdiagnostic Model for Caregiver-Focused Interventions
Adele Lafrance, PhD, Katherine A. Henderson, PhD, and Shari Mayman, PhD

Emotion-Focused Therapy: Revised
Leslie S. Greenberg, PhD

Family Therapy
William J. Doherty, PhD, and Susan H. McDaniel, PhD