News and Events
October 2017
RCT Writings Included in New Book
Introduction to Relational-Cultural Theory, was included in Transforming Community: Stories of Connection through the lens of Relational-Cultural Theory, edited by Connie Gunderson, Ph.D., Dorothy Graff, Ph.D., and Karen Craddock, Ph.D., published by Whole Person Associates. This book addresses many of RCT’s newest applications. It is a compilation of writings by people who presented at and attended the conference Transforming Community: The Radical Reality of Relationships co-sponsored by The College of St. Scholastica (CSS) and the Jean Baker Miller Training Institute, a legacy project of the Wellesley Centers for Women, held in June 2016 in Duluth, MN.
Fall 2017
New Release: Relational–Cultural Therapy, Second Edition
In this second edition of Relational–Cultural Therapy, published by the American Psychological Association, Judith V. Jordan, Ph.D., returns to explore the history, theory, and practice of relationship centered, culturally oriented psychotherapy.
Western psychological theories generally depict human development as moving from dependence to independence. In contrast, relational–cultural therapy is built on the premise that, throughout the lifespan, human beings grow through and toward connection, and that we need connections to flourish. This theory views isolation, at both individual and cultural levels, as a major source of suffering.
The goal of the relational therapist is to deepen the therapeutic relationship and, ultimately, the client's relationships outside of therapy. The client's relational images — positive or negative expectations created by past relationships — influence current relationships, and a negative image can result in disconnections between people and society. This essential primer, amply illustrated with case examples, is perfect for graduate students and seasoned practitioners alike. This new edition highlights new research on the effectiveness of relational–cultural therapy in a variety of real-world situations — such as developing team-building exercises in workplaces, and providing a theoretical frame for an E.U.-sponsored conference on human trafficking.
December 2016
Maureen Walker Launches Website and Blog
Maureen Walker, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist, speaker, educator, and writer who helps people bridge cultural differences such as race, religion, gender and other social status markers, has launched a new website and blog which build on her social change and Relational-Cultural Theory work. Walker teaches and inspires people to transform the barriers that prevent them from truly connecting with each other and living a fully authentic life. She encourages people to transform fear into and courage to create the fullest expressions of who they are and can be in the world. As the Director of Programming for the Jean Baker Miller Training Institute at Wellesley College, she has enjoyed the colleagueship of such pioneering scholars as Jean Baker Miller, Janet Surrey, Judith Jordan, and Irene Stiver, with whom she contributed to the development of the Relational-Cultural model of psychological healing and development.
June 2016
2016 Advanced Summer Institute - Transforming Community: Radical Reality of Relationship
The Jean Baker Miller Training Institute and The College of St. Scholastica held a conference highlighting evidence-based approaches to community transformation. “Transforming Community: Radical Reality of Relationship,” the 2016 Advanced Summer Institute, was held June 9-12, 2016 at The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN. On all levels, global forces of oppression are harming humans and the planet. Radical approaches to sustainable solutions are desperately needed to address the trauma, dislocation, alienation, extreme poverty, human violence and environmental destruction across all communities of our world. Conference participants experienced the transformative nature of the Relational Cultural (RCT) paradigm that embodies the power of shared stories; connected across professional disciplines and communities to envision and co- create new possibilities exploring inclusive healing and community transformation; collaborated and explored ways to improve education and health care; and addressed environmental and social justice issues through integrated relationship-based practices grounded in neurobiology and social action.
February 2015
Amy Banks Writes “Wired for Love” Blog on Psychology Today
Amy Banks, M.D., is contributing an ongoing series of blogs focused on Wired for Love, strengthening the brain for better, closer relationships, on the Psychology Today website. Banks is the Director of Advanced Training and Senior Research Scientist at The Jean Baker Miller Training Institute and the Wellesley Centers for Women. She is the co-author, with Leigh Ann Hirschman, of Four Ways to Click: Rewire Your Brain for Stronger, More Rewarding Relationships (Penguin), an easy to use, practical guide that helps clinicians and laypeople assess the quality of their relationships and strengthen their neural pathways for connection. She has spoken throughout the country on the neurobiology of relationship and has an ongoing passion to spread the message that we are hardwired for connection. Banks is a core member of Harville Hendrix’s Relationships First, a small group of scientists and cultural leaders who promote the idea that “healthy relationships are non-negotiable in a healthy society.” She was co-editor of A Complete Guide to Mental Health for Women, published in 2004 by Beacon Press and author of PTSD: Relationships and Brain Chemistry published in 2001.
