Human beings are relational by nature. We are shaped in connection with others—from our earliest attachments to our present-day partnerships, families, and communities. When those relationships are strained, disconnected, or stuck in unhelpful patterns, it impacts every part of our well-being. Relationship and systems therapies focus on how we live in relationship—not only with others, but also within ourselves.
At the Center for Mindful Psychotherapy, we work with people who are looking to deepen connection, repair emotional wounds, improve communication, and develop more secure relational patterns. These therapies are grounded in the belief that healing happens in relationship, and that the systems we belong to—family, culture, partnership—both shape and reflect our internal world.
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Below are five therapy modalities that approach healing through a relational or systemic lens. Each one brings a unique perspective to how individuals, couples, and families can shift their patterns and grow in connection.
Relational Therapy
Relational therapy emphasizes the therapeutic relationship itself as a primary site of healing. The way clients and therapists interact becomes a mirror for other relationships in the client’s life. This approach fosters emotional safety, trust, and exploration of core patterns. It is especially helpful for people who have experienced relational trauma, attachment disruptions, or who struggle to feel seen and understood in close relationships.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
IFS sees the psyche as made up of different “parts,” each with its own role and purpose. Some parts protect us, while others carry emotional pain. In therapy, clients learn to build a compassionate relationship with each part of themselves, guided by what IFS calls the Self—an inner presence that is calm, clear, and curious. IFS is highly effective for trauma, inner conflict, and self-compassion work.
Attachment Therapy
Attachment therapy focuses on the foundational bonds we form with caregivers and how those early patterns continue to shape our adult relationships. Clients explore their attachment style, how it plays out in intimacy, and how to move toward more secure, emotionally available connection. It is especially relevant for those struggling with trust, abandonment, or difficulty with closeness.
Systems Therapy
Systems therapy takes a big-picture view. Rather than focusing solely on the individual, it considers how each person functions within a larger system—be it family, partnership, or community. This approach is often used in family and couples therapy, but can also help individuals understand how external dynamics influence internal experience. Systems therapy can reveal patterns that keep people stuck and support more collaborative ways of relating.
PACT Couples Therapy
PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy) integrates neuroscience, attachment theory, and nervous system regulation to help couples create safety, stability, and lasting connection. It is experiential and dynamic, focusing on real-time interactions in session. PACT is well-suited for couples who feel disconnected, caught in cycles of conflict, or unsure how to rebuild trust.
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If you are navigating relational challenges, seeking to change family patterns, or hoping to better understand yourself in the context of connection, these approaches offer a grounded and deeply human path to healing.
There are also other therapy types that might interest you. Explore those options by choosing the “How We Help” option in the menu above and perusing the dropdown menus.
You can also browse our therapist directory to find someone who fits your needs, or contact us to get help finding the right support.
Browse our Therapist Directory