
Fostering Healthy
Connections
Relational Cultural Theory
We need connection just as we need air and water. Our bodies are designed to manage stress by turning to trusted others when we are anxious or scared. The reduction in stress that comes from a healthy relationship and a sense of belonging is powerful, and it is clear that growth-fostering relationships provide the resilience that enables us to persevere even in the most difficult times.
What does a growth-fostering relationship look like? For us, it comes down to a set of felt conditions that we call “The Five Good Things.”
The Five Good Things
Zest
PRODUCTIVITY
CLARITY
INCREASED SENSE OF WORTH
desire for connection
AFFINITY GROUPS
Relational-Cultural Theory spans a variety of disciplines — among them, psychology and social work; neuroscience and medicine; social and economic justice; and education.
In each of these areas, we are inviting people who are committed to join a group of kindred spirits to shape a learning and action agenda that draws on Relational-Cultural Theory in the respective disciplines. Our intention is to provide the basic structure for such an agenda so that the work can emerge organically, based on the needs and desires of those who participate. The three groups that have launched to date are described below. Please join us!

Education as Relational Practice (EARP) Group
The Education as a Relational Practice Group (EARP) is a community of educators from a range of domains who collaborate and support each other in a continuing exploration of RCT as a guiding force in education.
Psychotherapy Affinity Group
Relational Cultural Theory Psychotherapy Affinity Group is a community of mental wellness professionals who study and practice the healing power of connection and the creation of growth-fostering relationships in the clinical application of Relational Cultural Theory.
Learn With Us
Books
Works from leaders in the field about growth in connection in a variety of settings.
Bibliography
Relational-Cultural Theory has spawned a large and interdisciplinary body of scholarship.
Works In Progress
A publication series developed by the two organizations that were the precursors to ICGC: the Stone Center and the Jean Baker Miller Training Institute.
Language of RCT
Defining the most common terms used in describing relational cultural theory.