“Relational-cultural theory provides a rationale to guide therapeutic practice at the same time that it creates a basis for the pursuit of social justice.”
–Judith Jordan
What is Relational Cultural Theory?
Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT) asserts that individuals innately grow in the process of seeking relational connectedness while striving for authenticity. RCT identifies “mutual empathy” and “mutual empowerment” as bi-products of human connection. RCT explores how power differentials, and the interplay of systemic, societal, and cultural factors influence the quality of one’s relationships. Ultimately RCT advocates that healing starts with connection, and relationships are as essential to human survival as air and water.
Why does it matter?
At its’ core RCT is about the interconnectedness of human beings, for better or worse. Physical, emotional, psychological, and sexual trauma can leave people feeling violated, isolated, abandoned, and disconnected. Relational trauma has the power to shape destructive internal narratives, trigger maladaptive coping skills, and elevate internal defense mechanisms which oftentimes perpetuate the cycle of shame and suffering. However, RCT can help people recognize unhealthy power dynamics, learn how to navigate conflict, establish safe boundaries, repair ruptures, and ultimately increase the number of growth-fostering relationships in a person’s life.
How can it help your team?
At this point you might be thinking, that all sounds like pretty heavy stuff. What does RCT have to do with playing sports and how can it help my team? Well the truth is that whether coaches and athletes realize it or not, there are pre-existing power differentials at play within every team and athletic program that impact relationships, team cohesion, the ability of individuals to effectively communicate and show up to the court or field authentically.
RCT recognizes that athletes and coaches need connection to survive and thrive. For athletes, increasing the number of growth-fostering relationships in one’s life starts with the relationships between teammates, coaches, athletic trainers, and mental performance consultants. According to RCT theory, these relationships are both essential to the one’s mental health and instrumental in their growth process. However, when those relationships experience conflict or a break in the connection resulting from miscommunication, psychological maltreatment resulting from an imbalance of power dynamics, or any number of sociocultural factors, it can become a major stressor impacting team cohesion and an obstacle to achieving peak performance.
Therefore as a coach, performance consultant, team captain, or anyone in a position of power, it is essential to answer the following questions for yourself with regard to your team members:
- What does a quality relationship look like to you?
- What factors make up a quality relationship?
- How do the relationships on your team differ?
- What power dynamics might be influencing the quality of the relationship?
- What sociocultural factors might be influencing the quality of the relationship?
- And ultimately, how I can create an environment in which the other person in the relationship feels safe to show up as their whole self?
References & Additional Resources:
Using Relational-Cultural Theory in LGBTQQ Counseling: Addressing Heterosexism and Enhancing Relational Competencies by Singh, A. A., & Moss, L. (2016).
Relational-Cultural Theory: The Power of Connection to Transform Our Lives by Jordan, J. V. (2017).
Dear Coach: What I Wish I Could Have Told You by Dr. Sara Erdner, PhD, CMPC
*Parts of this post were originally posted here.