Relational-cultural theory (RCT) brought refreshing new perspectives that balanced and enriched the entire field of psychology, particularly in regard to the power of relationships and the importance of cultural context. This approach incorporates wisdom gathered through both the women’s movement and the multicultural movement of the 1970’s.

RCT asserts that we heal and grow through connection in relationships. Healthy relationships are viewed as transformative and essential for our well-being. One of the goals in therapy is to work through blocks or patterns or “strategies of disconnection” that are getting in the way of developing healthy relationships. We learn about ourselves through relationships, and we can heal through them as well.

RCT coined the term “mutually-growth-fostering-relationships” to describe relationships that are empathic, authentic and mutually supportive. In this type of relationship, both people feel valued, encouraged, and empowered to become the best versions of themselves. Both people feel they matter to the other person. RCT states that when we are in these kinds of relationships, we can expect “five good things” in our lives:

1. A sense of zest or well-being that comes from connecting with another person

2. The ability and motivation to take action in the relationship as well as in other situations

3. Increased knowledge of oneself and the other person(s)

4. An increase of self-worth

5. A desire for more connections beyond this particular one

The primary goal of RCT is to create and maintain growth-fostering relationships. This often begins in the therapeutic setting which gives the client a healthy experience of a growth- fostering relationship. The work in therapy is to help the client foster meaningful connections that will enrich their life and enhance their growth and well-being throughout life.

RCT was initially called self-in-relation theory. As the theory evolved over time, the scholars and practitioners who were continuing to develop the theory recognized the profound impact of cultural diversity on relational experiences. As a result, the importance of cultural context was added to the theory, moving the name from relational theory to relational-cultural theory.

Another important aspect of the theory is how radically it changed the field of psychology. Prior to the 1970’s, most psychological theories were based on the assumption that achieving independence and self-reliance was the most important developmental goal for mature adults. RCT challenged and balanced out that commonly held assumption by stating that the ability to create and maintain healthy relationships is an equally important developmental goal as well. The founders of this model were greatly influenced by both the women’s movement and the multicultural movement. They infused the powerful insights from each of these social movements into their psychological theory.