Fall 2025 SOWK 581 Week 08 - Relational Theory

A presentation at Heritage University in October 2025 by Jacob Campbell and is tagged with Heritage University, MSW Program, SOWK 581

Title slide featuring 'RELATIONAL THEORY' in bold. Includes 'Jacob Campbell, Ph.D. LICSW, Heritage University, Fall 2025' and 'Week 08 for SOWK 581' against a minimalist background with abstract lines.

The slide shows a 'Week Eight Plan' with an agenda and learning objectives. Agenda includes 'third space theory,' 'self-disclosure,' and 'mindfulness.' Objectives cover 'third space concept,' 'self-disclosure boundaries,' and 'mindfulness teaching.'

The image features a quote emphasizing relational theory in a psychodynamic perspective, highlighting active engagement and an interactive, growth-enhancing therapeutic relationship. It includes: “Relational theory and practice is a postmodern psychodynamic perspective that calls for active engagement between client and clinician. The therapeutic relationship is an interactive, alive process—empathic, authentic, and mutually growth enhancing.” — Cooper and Granucci Lesser, 2022, p. 132*underline and bold added

Two labeled squares on ends ('Client' in brown, 'Clinician' in blue) connected by a curved line. Text reads: 'The Third Space' and describes an interactional field for therapeutic conversation involving diverse identities.

A diagram labels 'Client' and 'Clinician,' linking to 'What Goes Into Their Shared Reflections (Third Space).' Text includes 'Identity,' 'Experience,' 'Emotions,' and steps for brainstorming individually, in small groups, and as a whole class.

Diagram illustrating 'Therapeutic Tripartite Awareness' with two boxes labeled 'Self' (Clinician) and 'Other' (Client), connected by an arrow labeled 'Flow of Relationship.' Text emphasizes mindfulness and emotional presence.

Slide from a presentation titled 'Function of Self-Disclosure.' It lists benefits like enhancing therapist-client empathy, engaging clients, and fostering trust. Includes text: 'Developing a therapeutic relationship' and cites Cooper & Granucci Lesser, 2022.

Silhouette of a person with a heart and speech bubble labeled 'Personal self-disclosure messages.' Text highlights: 'Done for the client, purposefully. Enough details for connection, but limited. Focus on other forms for authenticity, use sparingly.'

Outline of a person with a highlighted heart, illustrating 'Intersubjective Self-Disclosure,' alongside a list of attributes like 'Honest' and 'Fluid.' Nearby text details actions in social work context.

A slide displays text titled 'Brief Relational Theory,' listing: beginning collaboration, developing rationale, mindfulness exercises, and clarifying goals. A note mentions countertransference and third space exploration. Cited: Cooper & Granucci Lesser, 2022.

Line graph fluctuates between 'Heightened Emotional State' and 'Apathy,' labeled 'Danger Zone' at extremes. Title: 'TIMES TO CONSIDER USING GROUNDING.' Context suggests emotional management advice.

Tree roots spread over an exposed earthy cliff, emphasizing stability. Text overlay: 'Grounding Techniques; Mental Grounding Techniques; Physical Grounding Techniques; Soothing Grounding Techniques' suggests strategies related to grounding.

The slide features text discussing 'Brief Relational Theory.' It highlights collaboration, goal-setting for treatment, mindfulness exercises, and partner demonstrations. A brown circle emphasizes working with a partner. Source: (Cooper & Granucci Lesser, 2022).

A pie chart shows course feedback status; 7 completed, 5 need to complete. Text reads: 'MIDCOURSE FEEDBACK. Please complete for all of your classes, but especially for mine…'

Dr. Jacob Campbell

14 slides

Description

Week eight is a synchronous week, with class on 10/18. Students read about the implementation of relational theory from Cooper and Granucci Lesser (2022). There are forums reflecting on the week’s reading, considering self-disclosure, transference, and countertransference. During class, we will be exploring the following:

The third space and relational theory in general
Self-disclosure
Teaching mindfulness

Learning Objectives for the week includes

Describe the concept of the third space and evaluate its use in building therapeutic alliance.
Reflect on the role and boundaries of self-disclosure in relational clinical practice.
Practice teaching using mindfulness or grounding strategies
Define and examine transference and countertransference and their influence on the therapeutic process.
Identify strategies for managing relational dynamics ethically and professionally in clinical settings.