Couples Therapy and Relationship Counseling

In Olympia & Online throughout Washington State

COUPLES & Polycules & families

Rekindle Your Relationship with Relational Life Therapy

Are you feeling stuck in your relationship or yearning for a deeper emotional connection with your partner(s)? It truly can be better, and support is available to help you achieve the fulfilling relationship you deserve. Many LGBTQ+ couples, polycules, and families excel in various aspects of life, yet find their relationships can feel lonely and painful. It’s common to feel hopeless, desperate, or simply stuck.

Whether you’re navigating challenges like infidelity, sexual disconnection, communication barriers, or conflicts about parenting, relationships can sometimes become sources of turmoil rather than intimacy and growth. However, with guidance, many have found the courage to face these obstacles and rebuild their connections.

You deserve intimate, connected, and nurturing relationships. If you're ready to heal the damage that hinders your emotional bond, support is here to guide you on that journey. The relationship you envision is possible. Most of us need help at times to rekindle passion and connection. If this resonates with you, reach out—help is available.

Relational Life therapy for Couples & Families

Relational Life Therapy (RLT) is a powerful and transformative approach to therapy, created by renowned marital therapist and best-selling author Terry Real. Offered exclusively by Kaya Colin at our practice, RLT is designed to quickly and effectively address relationship issues. This therapy removes barriers to connection, redistributes power within relationships, and provides individuals with practical skills that lead to lasting change.

Incorporating feminist principles, RLT emphasizes equality and mutual respect, ensuring that power dynamics within relationships are balanced. Kaya uses a directive and practical approach, involving significant education. She focuses on equipping you with concrete skills that you can apply to your relationships, whether in marriage, family, or the workplace. Through specific techniques, Kaya holds you accountable for engaging differently with one another.

As a fellow traveler on your journey, Kaya provides respectful, honest feedback and relies on her expertise to guide you. Ultimately, you are the one who creates the change. Kaya's goal is to support you in building healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

What we’ll work on

Relational Life Therapy can help you:

  • Strengthen communication and understanding within your relationship or polycule

  • Redistribute power dynamics to foster equality and mutual respect

  • Address unmet emotional needs and building deeper connections

  • Manage conflicts and transforming negative cycles into positive interactions

  • Enhance emotional intimacy and creating a safe space for vulnerability

  • Support transitions such as parenting, coming out, or exploring new relationship structures

  • Develope practical skills to maintain healthy, fulfilling relationships in a supportive environment

Here Through Life’s Expansions, Contractions, and Transitions

Femme and them, Pllc

FAQS

Common questions about Relational Life Therapy

  • RLT differs from traditional couples therapy in its direct and pragmatic approach. While traditional therapy often focuses on exploring the history and underlying causes of relationship issues, RLT is action-oriented and solution-focused. It aims to identify and change harmful behaviors quickly and effectively. RLT also places a strong emphasis on the therapist's active role in guiding the couple, offering clear feedback, and teaching practical skills for improving the relationship. This approach helps couples see tangible progress and develop healthier, more respectful ways of interacting.

  • Relational Life Therapy can benefit any couple experiencing relationship challenges, whether they are dealing with chronic conflict, communication breakdowns, emotional disconnection, or other issues. It is particularly effective for couples who are ready to take an active role in transforming their relationship and are open to direct feedback and practical interventions. RLT is also suitable for couples at various stages of their relationship, from those newly navigating conflicts to those who have been together for many years and want to rekindle their emotional intimacy and connection.

  • During a typical Relational Life Therapy session, you can expect a structured and interactive process. The therapist will actively engage with both partners, offering direct feedback and guidance. Sessions often begin with identifying specific issues or patterns that are causing distress in the relationship. The therapist will then help both partners understand their roles in these patterns and work on developing healthier ways of interacting. Practical exercises and role-playing may be used to practice new skills and behaviors. The focus is on making immediate and tangible changes, with the therapist providing ongoing support and accountability as the couple works towards building a more connected and fulfilling relationship.