What is Relational Life Therapy (RLT)?

Relational Life Therapy (RLT) is a powerful, transformative approach to couples therapy created by renowned therapist and bestselling author Terry Real. Unlike traditional marriage counseling that focuses only on communication skills, RLT goes deeper—helping couples break toxic cycles by addressing the root causes of disconnection, resentment, and repeated conflict.

Many relationship struggles stem from past experiences and learned behaviors—patterns you may not even realize you’re repeating. RLT helps you understand where these reactions come from and teaches you how to show up relationally—with honesty, empathy, and accountability.

Whether you’re stuck in the same arguments, growing apart, or on the brink of separation, RLT offers a clear and compassionate path forward.

What Makes RLT Different?

Most couples therapy stays on the surface. RLT goes deeper—fast.

Your therapist (that’s me) takes an active role in the room. I’ll lovingly challenge patterns that aren’t working and help each of you see your part clearly—without shame or blame. At the same time, I hold the relationship with care, always working toward more connection, not less.

RLT is unique because:

  • We explore the root of reactive behaviors—not just how they show up, but where they started.

  • We do the deep work in real time, with your partner present—so healing happens in the relationship, not just individually.

  • We focus on practical tools to help you reconnect, repair, and grow together long after therapy ends.

The Three Phases of RLT

1. Waking Up to the Pattern

In this first phase, we map out the behaviors and dynamics that are harming your connection. You’ll each learn to take ownership of your part—not to take the blame, but to take back your power. With compassion and clarity, we begin to shift the story.

2. Healing and Transformation

Next, we go deeper. We explore where those reactive patterns come from—old wounds, early experiences, protective strategies that once made sense. What’s different about RLT is that this work happens with your partner beside you. You don’t have to do it alone. You’ll begin to understand each other in a whole new way, and that understanding becomes a turning point.

3. Practicing Relational Skills

Finally, we bring it all into the present. You’ll learn how to stay connected under stress, how to speak your needs without blame, and how to create safety in your relationship. These aren’t just tools—they’re new ways of being together.

Is RLT Right for You?

This work is especially powerful for couples who:

  • Feel stuck in the same fights over and over

  • Are feeling disconnected or on the brink of separation

  • Have tried other types of therapy but didn’t get to the root

  • Are ready to break old patterns and build something more secure

RLT isn’t about surface-level solutions. It’s about real transformation. If you’re ready to stop going in circles and start creating a relationship that feels safe, connected, and alive—this approach can get you there.

Because in the end, it’s not just about learning how to talk about your relationship.
It’s about learning how to live it—with courage, with tenderness, and with love.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Let’s work together to help you build the kind of relationship you didn’t grow up seeing—but deeply want to create.