CopeHouse Collective (Shiva Howell Marriage and Family Therapy Inc.)  is a Professional Corporation formed in 2022 by Shiva Howell with the intention of creating quality mental health care that is welcoming, accessible, and inclusive. Our therapists have their own unique lived experience, skills, trainings, and professional specialties, allowing you the opportunity to work with a clinician that truly feels like a good fit for you. 

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While each clinician practices through their own theoretical lens, we are ultimately deeply influenced by Relational Therapy and use the Relational Therapy core values in all of the work that we do.

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What is Relational Therapy? 

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Relational Therapy is a contemporary approach to therapy that places significant emphasis on the relationships and interactions between individuals and their social environments. At its core, it posits that psychological distress often arises from relational disruptions and maladaptive patterns that are rooted in past and present relationships. By focusing on these dynamics, relational psychotherapy seeks to foster personal growth and healing through the therapeutic relationship itself.

 

One of the foundational principles of relational therapy is the belief that our identities, emotions, and behaviors are profoundly influenced by our interactions with others, starting from early childhood. The quality of these relationships can shape our self-concept, affect regulation, and overall mental health. Relational psychotherapists work from the premise that many psychological issues stem from problematic relational patterns, such as attachment issues, unresolved conflicts, and dysfunctional communication styles.

 

The therapeutic relationship in relational psychotherapy is viewed as a central component of the healing process. Unlike more traditional, detached forms of therapy, relational psychotherapy encourages an authentic, collaborative, and mutually engaging relationship between therapist and client. This relationship serves as a microcosm of the client's broader relational world, providing a space where new, healthier patterns of interaction can be explored and practiced. Relational psychotherapists are highly attuned to the dynamics of power and hierarchy within the therapeutic relationship. They strive to minimize the traditional power imbalance between therapist and client, fostering a more egalitarian and collaborative partnership. This approach helps clients feel more empowered and active in their therapeutic journey, promoting a sense of agency and self-efficacy.

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To learn more about our clinicians and the specific types of therapy they offer, visit our Clinician's Page.

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