Relational Life Therapy (RLT)
I Use the Relational Life Therapy (RLT) Approach
Relationships shape how we see ourselves and how we move through the world. Whether you’re seeking therapy as an individual or as part of a couple, Relational Life Therapy (RLT) helps uncover the patterns that keep you feeling stuck and equips you with practical skills to create healthier, more connected relationships.
Relational Life Therapy was developed by renowned therapist Terry Real, whose work has transformed the way many therapists, including me, think about relationships, accountability, and lasting change. RLT combines insight with practical skill-building. Rather than simply understanding why patterns exist, you’ll learn concrete tools to create meaningful, lasting change in the way you communicate, set boundaries, navigate conflict, and connect with others.
Together, we’ll explore how your family of origin, life experiences, and even cultural or societal messages have shaped the way you see yourself, relate to others, and navigate conflict. As awareness grows, so does the ability to choose new patterns rooted in authenticity, accountability, and connection.
In our work together, you can expect to:
- Understand the relationship patterns you learned growing up and how they continue to shape your life today.
- Understand the ways you’ve learned to protect yourself and how those same strategies may now be getting in the way of the connection you want.
- Move from protection to connection.
- Build healthier boundaries without sacrificing closeness.
- Communicate with honesty, respect, and relational accountability, even during conflict.
- Recognize when you’re reacting from old hurts and protective patterns (Adaptive Child) and strengthen your ability to respond thoughtfully and intentionally (Wise Adult).
- Break free from people-pleasing, perfectionism, self-abandonment, and other losing strategies.
- Develop self-esteem rooted in authenticity rather than external approval.
- For couples, shift from an “I” mindset toward an “us” mindset, strengthening partnership over individual reactivity.
- Learn that healthy relationships aren’t conflict-free, they’re repair-rich.
- Practice new skills in session so lasting change happens outside the therapy room.
My Role
I believe therapy should feel both supportive and honest. I’ll offer warmth, curiosity, and compassion while also gently challenging the patterns that may be keeping you stuck. My goal isn’t simply to help you gain insight, it’s to help you build the awareness, skills, and confidence to create lasting change in your relationships and in the relationship you have with yourself.
Because healthy relationships aren’t conflict-free. They’re repair-rich.