Abstract
Childhood physical, emotional and sexual abuse and neglect is often devastating to the brain and body of the victim. When the abuse leads to chronic post-traumatic stress disorder, the destruction can occur in all aspects of life. Physical health, spiritual health, cognitive abilities can all be impaired. However, it is often the destruction of relationships that presents the largest obstacle to healing.
Many models of psychodynamic therapy still strive for objectivity and neutrality from the therapist. The goal is often to help an individual overcome his/her dependency and to “stand on his/her own two feet.” This approach may retraumatize a person who has experienced significant childhood abuse. Relational/cultural theory (RCT), as described by the founding scholars of the Stone Center at Wellesley College, states that all growth happens in and toward relationship. The goal is to develop mutual, growth-fostering relationships. Because of the focus on developing healthy relationships, this model is particularly well suited to the treatment of people who have been abused.
This paper will review the key concepts of relational/cultural theory. It will also review the neurobiology of PTSD to help readers understand the physiological destruction of childhood abuse and how this physiology contributes to the chronic disconnections in therapy. Finally, this paper will review three stages of healing from childhood abuse working within the model of RCT.
