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Brain science emerged at the same time that Relational Life Therapy became popular, and neuropsychologists were impressed with the limbic system activation and neural pathways that it created in the prefrontal cortex which allow rapid change in a clients insight and perspective.

RLT focuses on understanding and improving our relationships with ourselves and others, while traditional talk therapy typically centers on individual psychological concerns.

RLT views our early attachment experiences as crucial to understanding our current patterns of relating to others, while traditional talk therapy may not place as much emphasis on attachment theory, and other models may primarily focus on teaching attachment and not add the coaching necessary for creating new patterns for connection.

RLT often incorporates experiential techniques such as role-playing, empty chair work, and mindfulness exercises to help clients access, explore and process their emotions and relational patterns. Traditional talk therapy may rely more on discussion and exploration of thoughts and feelings, cognitively only.

RLT emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment and paying attention to the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship as they unfold in real-time. Traditional talk therapy may be more focused on exploring past experiences and their impact on the present.

RLT takes on a coaching role, providing guidance and feedback to the client in their exploration of relational patterns and dynamics, while traditional talk therapy often emphasizes self-exploration, with the therapist serving as a supportive listener and facilitator of the client’s own process of understanding themselves. The therapist in RLT will give specific techniques and exercises to help the client develop new relational skills, while in traditional talk therapy the therapist may help the client develop insight into patterns and beliefs that may be contributing to their difficulties.

This form of therapy focuses on mindfulness practice, regulating emotions, increasing tolerance for distress and learning healthy communication skills.

Also known as the Meadows Model, developed by Pia Mellody (author of Facing Codependence, Facing Love Addiction) focuses on learning more about our dysfunctional patterns in relationships and how to change them into functional patterns for increased well-being.

This form of therapy involves identifying and working with different parts of oneself to achieve greater self-awareness and healing.

Involves using eye movements and sensory techniques to help people process traumatic memories and emotions often tied to PTSD and anxiety.

Utilizing horses as biofeedback, the client will participate in a series of exercises with the horses to learn mindfulness through somatic awareness.

In recent years, ketamine has been administered as an “off-label” treatment, per the FDA, for psychiatric conditions that have been resistant to currently available modalities such as medications and/or psychotherapy. For many, ketamine has been found to provide rapid, sometimes immediate relief of mental health symptoms.