Relationship Difficulties

Work on your most important relationships, including the one with yourself

Technically, one could say that all therapy is relationship therapy on some level — therapy is relational in that it involves at least two people interacting and working toward one or several goals together.

Studies show that it is the strength of the relationship between patient and therapist that is the most significant agent of change in therapy, beyond any other factor, including theoretical orientation (CBT/DBT/psychodynamic, etc.).

Feeling understood, being validated, and being cared for are necessities for feeling safe, which in turn is critical for personal growth. Many of us have or have had disappointing, problematic, or harmful relationships in our lives, involving our families, partners, friends, or colleagues. Through therapy, we have the opportunity to address these unmet needs.

It’s a trope, but it’s true — the most important relationship we have is the one with ourselves.

Because we are social creatures by nature, we need others, yet we need to be able to show up for ourselves, set boundaries, assert our needs, and value ourselves.

When we are able to do this, our other relationships will work themselves out in their own way, and we will feel more at ease, experiencing less conflict.