Relational Therapy: An Attachment Model for the Treatment of Children, Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

The following are questions that are typically asked about Relational Therapy. It is my intent to discuss and expand on the basic concepts of Relational Therapy in future blogs. In the future I will discuss not only the theory behind Relational Therapy, but will explore how to work clinically with clients on the Autism Spectrum.

What is Relational Therapy?

*It is a therapy that utilizes the relationship as the basis of growth (emotional) and development
*It is a therapy based on understanding autism as an “incomplete attachment”
*It is a therapy that emphasizes the development of a SELF/Self agency, and emotional development of the client’s own mind (Theory of Mind)
*It is a therapy that helps the client identify and name their feelings and utilize those feelings in relationship to self and others
*It is a therapy that helps the client to become conscious of his/her own mind when in relationship to others
*It is a therapy that has as a main goal the empathic attunement to the feelings of the client.
*This goal is accomplished by understanding, acceptance and validation of the client’s feelings
*It is a therapy that seeks to “recognize” the client, by seeing the strengths and the potential of the client and in turn for the client to know that they have been seen and recognized by an “other”

What are the Goals of Relational Therapy?

*To develop a therapeutic frame as a basis so that the therapeutic relationship can then be established and expanded to other relationships
*To develop a model for attachment and engagement
*To encourage the client to develop a sense of self-agency
*To develop practical techniques that promote a relationship that generalizes to the environment
*To develop specific steps in deciding which techniques to use with a given client

What is the Population that it serves?

*Children
*Adolescents
*Adults

How is it Different from Applied Behavioral Analysis and other Behavioral Techniques?

It is a psychotherapy based on the relationship between the client and the therapist. It emphasizes techniques to help the child develop a “Theory of Mind.” To help the child move out of the merger position and learn that he has his own mind and to know his own mind. In other words the child learns to identify feeling states within the self, as different from or opposed to that of others, and to utilize his/her own mind/feelings to build a relationship to others. It utilizes techniques to help the developing child to know and interact with the minds of others

On the other hand, Applied Behavioral Analysis emphasizes the systematic process of studying and modifying observable behavior through a manipulation of the environment. It also promotes social and language development and reduces behaviors. It teaches each skill in a simple step-by-step manner, such as teaching colors one at a time. It utilizes formal structured drills, i.e. point to a color and it helps the client to generalize skills to other situations

When should Relational Therapy be used with Clients who are on the Autistic Spectrum?
Relational Therapy is meant to be used in conjunction with other therapies such as Applied Behavioral Analysis, Speech and Occupational Therapy. Each of the other therapies serves a specific purpose, as does Relational Therapy. They are all embraced as needed to enhance the potential of each client with Autism.

What are the Benefits of Relational Therapy?

*It emphasizes the identification of feelings in others and the identification and utilization of the feelings of the client to break through communication barriers
*It emphasizes the development of self agency v merging with the mind of another
*It emphasizes the development of relationships with others including peers
*It emphasizes learning to problem solve “real life situations”
*It emphasizes learning to trust oneself (one’s own mind)
*It emphasizes the building of self-esteem
*It emphasizes the trusting of one’s own judgment