Relational-Cultural Therapy: Applying The Empowerment Theory

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The leading theory behind this intervention is the empowerment theory. It is designed to enable individuals in trusting their ability to act on their own (self-efficacy). The purpose of this theory is to help individuals recognize their strengths and regain back their power. This method should address alienation, the double-bind situation of women, and institutional/structural sexism. To successfully address these conditions interventions should “support individual change and growth, acknowledgement of negative stereotypes, and learning to increase power within interpersonal and political environments” (East & Roll, 2015, p. 281). Relational-cultural therapy (RCT) is a therapeutic approach essential to the developmental process of empowerment. …show more content…
This tool helps individuals gain control of their circumstances and achieve their goals. I think that the three components to this intervention really helped women feel supported and improved their quality of life. I would use this intervention when working with domestic violence survivors. An abusive relationship is about maintaining power and control over an individual. The power-control wheel is designed to inform individuals about the dynamics of an abusive relationship and ways this can be identified. This is used in social work to show survivor’s that they’re not alone and that these tactics are common to abusers. The goal is to give power and control back to the survivor. The empowerment approach depicted in this article presented ways to actively do this. The empowerment process began with creating a safe environment that women can share their experiences in. From this story engagement process relationship were formed. These bonds enabled women to work together to find a voice and advocate for change. In practice, I will focus on empowering these women by helping them identify their strengths and establish goals. I will use this intervention to help women build relationships and become actively involved in the

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