Hi all!

I'm interning at the Relational Center (TRC) to attain hours for my master's degree. When I interviewed with the director, he presented this radical message that therapy is political. He also stated that the center "exists to promote the essential importance of relationships because isolation kills." I nodded politely not truly understanding his stance and its relevancy. Nonetheless, I chose TRC (and they chose me). I'm grateful because I am more self-aware and positively impactful to others. 

For example, alcohol addiction is prevalent in my family. Often times, we receive the message that you must be sober in order to receive treatment. After working with TRC, I realized this shames people who want to receive support. This model sets people up for failure because perfection is required. This disease is chronic without a cure and only recovery. Rather than using the traditional approach, we use harm reduction which is realistic and recognizes people will revert to past coping mechanisms. We recognize that that does not make them a failure. Without TRC, my perspective regarding addiction would remain limited, problematic, and nonempathetic 

I’m not the only one benefitting from TRC. The center provides individual, couples, and family (biological or by choice) therapy for members. This is significant because 85% of our members are at or below the poverty line. Our aim is to empower rather than shame ourselves and our members.

We want to keep TRC running, and we need your help. $10 is enough to fund one group session. $25 per donor is ideal however, any and all donations are welcomed. If you need another incentive to support us (no judgment), here's a more formal and concise description of what we do:

"The Relational Center exists to promote the essential importance of relationships. When we value our connections with others and with the environment, we create the necessary conditions for health and sustainability. So our work promotes personal, interpersonal, and social practices that help people build strong, resilient relationships. Our programs provide healing support, a space for community building, and tools for leadership."

Together, we can make sure TRC has the funding needed to continue doing this incredible work. In this toxic culture, our work has never been more important.

Thanks as always,

Courtney

Every year we host a year-end appeal that offers our supporters one last opportunity to make a tax-deductible donation to The Relational Center before the end of the calendar year. Our goal for the 2018 year-end appeal is $30,000. These funds are critical for sustaining The Relational Center's community. With your support, we can continue to integrate individual healing and systemic cultural change through affordable comprehensive mental health services to low-income and marginalized folks. Help us build stronger, more empathic communities that can change the world!