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 Part I. "Getting to the truths about race…and the stories we tell along the way" by Maureen Walker, Ph.D.
Although good intentions may be necessary, they are never sufficient to sustain an authentic conversation about race. Because shame and anxiety are endemic to racially stratified cultures, what may start as well-intentioned discourse typically devolves into dread, recrimination, or escapist sentimentality. Using the best-selling novel The Help as a focal point, this paper discusses the critical relational capacities required to facilitate movement toward new relational possibilities.
Part II. "Help for The Help: RCT Meets Theme-Park Segregation" by Christina Robb, M.A.
Relational-Cultural Theory identifies shame as a tool of dominance. In the work of dismantling racist conditioning, shame can play a creative, relational role within white people in cross-race relationships. Kathryn Stockett’s novel The Help bypasses this awkward yet liberating process and relies instead on cartoonish fantasy that leaves racial stereotypes in place. But shared reflection about the realities the novel mythologizes can lead to authentic connection.
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 This paper explores Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT) and the ethics of power-with, of mutuality and relational engagement. It examines how we and those with whom we work become whole and how we help others. Ethics is not a set of rules to follow, but is an attitude and a stance toward the suffering of others and toward helping them to heal. Mutual respect and mutual power, relational engagement, and the importance of uncertainty, being open to the people with whom we work are described as core ethical concerns. This paper initiates a conversation on relational-cultural ethics which can create possibilities and growth fostering relationships for all.
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 by Maureen Walker Ph.D.
Women & Therapy
34:38-58, 2011
JBMTI Director of Program Development Maureen Walker, Ph.D. recently published her article, "What's a Feminist Therapist to Do? Engaging the Relational Cultural Paradox in a Post-Feminist Culture" in the Women & Therapy. "This article illustrates the use of Relational-Cultural therapy as a feminist approach that fosters healing and growth by facilitating both personal and collective empowerment."
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 by Kate Price, M.A.
JMBTI Project Associate Kate Price recently published her chapter in the textbook, Global Perspectives on Prostitution and Sex Trafficking: Europe, Latin America, North America, and Global (Lexington Books). The chapter examines child prostitution through an RCT lens, examining the importance of power structures, relationship, and collusion in perpetuating this global crisis.
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 by Licia Rando, M.Ed.
SAIV: The Spiritual Alliance to Stop Intimate Violence
Licia Rando, M.Ed. recently published, "Caring & Connected Parenting: A Guide to Raising Connected Children" which acknowledges Dr. Amy Banks. "Her generous sharing of knowledge pointed me in the right direction."
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 by Jennifer L. Sanftner, Ph.D. and Mary Tantillo, Ph.D.
Journal of Creativity in Mental Health
5:344-357, 2010
Jennifer L. Sanftner, Ph.D. and Mary Tantillo, Ph.D. recently published their article, "Measuring Perceived Mutuality in Women: Further Validation of the Connection-Disconnection Scale" in the Journal of Creativity in Mental Health , 5:344-357. This model is an important development in measuring and promoting the efficacy of Relational-Cultural Therapy and growth-fostering relationships.
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 In this book, Dr. Jordan explores the history, theory, and practice of this relationship-centered, culturally oriented form of therapy. Relational–cultural therapy is built on the premise that, throughout the lifespan, human beings grow through and toward connection, and that we need connections to flourish, even to stay alive. Dr. Jordan presents and explores this approach, its theory, history, the therapy process, primary change mechanisms, empirical basis, and future developments. This essential primer to relational–cultural therapy, amply illustrated with case examples, is perfect for graduate students studying theories of therapy and counseling as well as for seasoned practitioners interested in understanding this approach.
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 Relational/Cultural Theory describes human development as being through and towards healthy connection. But how does this actually happen? This working paper will examine how human beings develop the capacity to connect starting in their earliest childhood relationships. Emphasizing the neuroscience of human connection, the paper describes the chemical and neuronal transformation of the brain in early growth fostering relationships. It will explore how a separation/ individuation culture undermines the human nervous system which is, literally, hard wired to connect and erodes our capacity to form healthy communities.
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This webinar will introduce participants to the third branch of the autonomic nervous system, the smart vagus nerve. We will explore in depth the role this neural pathway plays in taming the stress response system so that we can find and maintain healthy human connection. Through interactive discussion, this webinar will explore the ways that society can shape this neural pathway and how this neural pathway then helps shapes society.