relational functioning

Our relational health is fundamental to our mental and emotional health. When our relationship(s) with ourselves, others, and the world are healthy, we feel safe, secure, and empowered, and we can focus our attention and energy on cultivating fulfilling and meaningful life. In today’s world, between social media and social distancing, our relationships may lack the depth, authenticity, or secure attachments that set the foundation for balancing our need for both a strong sense of self and connection to others.

interpersonal & relational needs

Just as the toddler needs to wander and discover the world independently, glancing back at parent for just a moment to ensure they are still there, as human beings, we all need a secure base from which to set out from and explore. For some of us that secure base may be composed of our families or partners, and for others that need may be met by friends, social networks, communities, or work families. Where, who, and how our need for belonging is met is individually defined, but the need for fulfilling, dynamic, and loving interpersonal relationships is present for each and every one of us because at our core we are social beings. Furthermore, while the specific needs may evolve over the course of our lifetime (e.g., adolescents for example seek peer connection and belonging, whereas older adults may seek meaningful connection through being more present within themselves or finding meaning in sharing their legacy with the younger generations), but the core need for acceptance, validation, and connection remains. All-in-all, our relational needs are as fundamental to our survival, individually and collectively, as food, water, and air.

relationships & mental health

If our relational health is fundamental to our survival, it follows that our mental and emotional wellbeing is similarly tied to our interpersonal relationships. When our environment is validating, encouraging, and connected, we have space to recognize, process, and move through our emotions without unnecessary suffering. And the people who surround us, and who we surround ourselves with, make up our environment. If you’re struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or anger, look around and assess your social support. Are you surrounded with individuals who both take space and make space? People who are empowered and empower others? Communities who build each other up rather than tear each other down? If not - reach out. You can take our word for it until you know it for yourself - you deserve it. Connection. Contentment. Resilience. Love. Success. Passion. Safety. Strength. Vulnerability. Peace. Belonging. Basically, All. of. it.

the way forward, together

If you’re intrigued and want to learn more about what we’ve talked about here so far, keep exploring - around this site, within yourself, in your community. Get curious. Start wondering. What might be different in your own life if your relationships were {fill-in-the-blank-here}?

For more guidance, someone to listen, and a chance to experience a different kind of connection, reach out to us here to learn a bit more about relational psychotherapy.