Relational Cultural Therapy

Jean Baker Miller developed RCT in the 1970s, believing that people mature or grow into connections. We learn about connections, or relationships, as babies, toddlers, teens, and then into adult life. Unfortunately, many people do not have the opportunities to experience people in their life who have the capacity to grow and maintain mutually healthy relationships. Miller identified healthy relationships as those providing mutual support for growth and development, a 'growth-fostering relationship.'

Miller identified five characteristics of a growth-fostering relationship:  

A sense of vigour and enjoyment, a zest for life
A sense of self-worth
Clarity in the relationship; understanding of oneself and the other person in the relationship
Productivity or capacity; the ability and desire to accomplish endeavours within the relationship and outside of the relationship
Desire for more connection as a consequence to the positive connective experience

A connection is more than equality between individuals and societies systems; connection asks for shared participation in the process of relationships. RCT acknowledges the power differences in relationships as well as diversity and seeks to empower the individuals experiencing the consequences.