Relational-Cultural Theory and Reality Therapy: A Culturally Responsive Integrative Framework

Over the past 50 years, scholars have consistently identified approaches that focus on the relationship within and outside of the therapeutic environment as having a significant effect on culturally diverse clients' well-being (May & Yalom, 2000; Rogers, 1967). Although these scholars make claims to address the needs of diverse clients (Clark, 2010; Tanaka-Matsumi, Higginbotham, & Chang, 2002; van Deurzen, 2002), few have theoretically attended to the cultural and diversity needs of clients; instead, they have relied on ethical codes and multicultural or advocacy competencies to address the deficiency (Arciniega & Newlon, 2003; Spiegler & Guevremont, 2010). However, relational-cultural theorists have filled this gap by specifically operationalizing how counselors can use the therapeutic alliance to examine and enhance current relational interactions with culturally diverse clients (Ball, 2005; Jordan, 2009). We classify culturally diverse clients as individuals that self-identify with culturally marginalized populations (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning [LGBTQ] individuals; racial and ethnic minorities; low-income individuals; individuals with disabilities; American Counseling Association [ACA], 2014). As counseling professionals embrace the needs of culturally diverse clients through multicultural competencies, ethics codes, and accreditations standards (ACA, 2014; Arredondo et al., 1996; Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs [CACREP], 2015), counselors may not only identify cultural considerations or limitations within counseling approaches but also use these as a means to develop new, more integrative approaches. Many scholars using cognitive and behavioral approaches, such as reality therapy, chose to alter or adapt their therapeutic process to meet the needs of diverse clients (Bedoya & Safren, 2009; Hays & Iwamasa, 2006). However, literature related to the integration of more culturally responsive and sensitive approaches is scant. Consequently, we examine relational-cultural theory (RCT) and reality therapy as integrative approaches that combine behavioral, psychoanalytic, and postmodern paradigms. Counseling with a traditional approach such as reality therapy through the lens of RCT provides an appropriate framework for counselors to address systemic issues of power, privilege, marginalization, and the ways these issues influence the choices their clients make (Frey, 2013). In the following sections, we (a) provide an overview of RCT and reality therapy; (b) discuss the theoretical rationale for integration; (c) present a case illustration depicting the application of RCT and reality therapy with a biracial, adolescent client; (d) offer evaluation procedures; and (e) provide implications for research and practice. RCT Scholars originally developed RCT in an attempt to understand the relational interactions in the lives of women (Jordan, 2009; Jordan, Kaplan, Miller, Stiver, & Surrey, 1991; Miller, 1986) and to emphasize the role that caretakers and cultural contexts have in these interactions (Miller, 1986). RCT scholars have suggested that traditional theories of human development and psychodynamics mistakenly and harmfully perpetuate the oppressive cycle of inaccurately pathologizing clients by disregarding the historical and systemic injustices experienced by marginalized groups (Comstock et al., 2008; Jordan, 2001; Trepal, Boie, & Kress, 2012). Consequently, RCT facilitates social justice, decreases emotional and physical separation, and increases relational connections (Jordan, 2009). Furthermore, RCT emphasizes the role of power dynamics on well-being and the role these dynamics have on perpetuating shame and feelings of unworthiness (Jordan, 2009). In this regard, RCT scholars have identified the seven fundamental concepts for the theory (Jordan, 2009; Miller, 1986), which include relational characteristics and growth-fostering interactions. …