title: What does it mean to be relational? A framework for assessment and practice.
abstract: The authors begin with a question regarding how to better draw upon relational thinking in making case assessments and treatment plans. They first address issues regarding the cultural construction of self and relationships, integrating women's psychology, family systems, and collectivist culture literatures within a discussion of power. Then they present a heuristic framework for how individuals orient themselves within relationships that includes two dimensions--focus and power--and evolves out of the social context. From these two dimensions, a typology of four basic relational orientations is presented: position directed, rule directed, independence directed, and relationship directed. Case examples from couple's therapy and suggestions for practice are provided.
authors.affiliation: Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA.
authors.forename: Rachelle
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Silverstein
authors.forename: Linda Buxbaum
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Bass
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tuttle
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Knudson-Martin
authors.forename: Douglas
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Huenergardt
mesh_terms: D019546:Couples Therapy; D003469:Culture; D004532:Ego; D005196:Family Therapy; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012931:Social Environment; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*