Creating Connection

<p>Relational-Cultural Therapy (RCT) is developed to accurately address the relational experiences of persons in de-valued cultural groups. As a model it is ideal for work with couples: it encourages active participation in relationships fosters the well-being of everyone involved and acknowledges that we grow through and toward relationships throughout the lifespan. Part and parcel with relationships is the knowledge that whether intentionally or not we fail each other misunderstand each other and hurt each other causing an oftentimes enduring disconnect. <br> This book helps readers understand the pain of disconnect and to use RCT to heal relationships in a variety of settings including with heterosexual couples lesbian and gay couples and mixed race couples. Readers will note a blending of approaches (person-centered narrative systems and feminist theory) all used to change the cultural conditions that can contribute to problems: unequal sometimes abusive power arrangements marginalization of groups and rigid gender race and sexuality expectations. Readers will learn to help minimize economic and power disparities and encourage the growth of mutual empathy while looking at a variety of relational challenges such as parenting stepfamilies sexuality and illness. Polarities of “you vs. me” will be replaced with the healing concept of “us.”</p>