Relational-Cultural Theory

Relational-cultural theory (RCT), and the type of psychotherapy approach that it engenders, differs from other postmodern and feminist approaches in its emphasis on the need for healthy interpersonal connections as a basic requirement for healthy human development. RCT is a type of postmodern feminist therapy that places prominence on both personal relationships and relationships within larger social systems. RCT holds that most problems that bring people into counseling are due to fractured interpersonal relationships and/or pressures from those who have power over the client within social systems. Problems of racism, sexism, classism, and other types of sociopolitical oppression are the common underlying causes of everyday problems for many clients.