What does being ‘relational’ in therapy mean?

Over that last few decades there has been a significant paradigm shift in counselling and psychotherapy towards being more relational– the so-called relational turn. Yet the term ‘relational’ is understood and applied by therapists in widely varying ways. But what does ‘being relational’ actually mean? Using case examples, I explore the debate and look forward to a group discussion. If relationships constitute the core of psychological problems, they surely need to be harnessed in the pursuit of client’s growth? My own position is that I believe that the label ‘relational therapy’ should be reserved for practice that prioritises the therapeutic relationship as the main source of any healing.

Dr Linda Finlay is an existentially-orientated relational integrative psychotherapist and supervisor (UKCP registered) currently in private practice in York, UK. She also teaches psychology and counselling at the Open University (UK). She has published widely including Therapeutic use of self in counselling and psychotherapy; Practical ethics in counselling and psychotherapy: A relational approach; and Relational integrative psychotherapy: Engaging process and theory in practice. Her latest book Relational counselling and psychotherapy is due to be published September 2024 by Sage. She is currently Editor of the European Journal for Qualitative Research in Psychotherapy (EJQRP.org). For further information, please see her website.