In a world that often feels increasingly disconnected, the power of human relationships is more important than ever. Relational practice is an approach that can help by placing genuine human connection at the heart of how we work and interact, particularly in fields like health, education, and social care.
Relational practice prioritizes interpersonal relationships in providing services and fostering supportive environments. It recognizes that effective interventions and healthy interactions are built on strong relationships, operating as a "systems response" rather than just focusing on individual encounters. At its core, relational practice emphasizes engaging human-to-human, as equals.
Key to relational practice is the understanding that relationships should be authentic and hold inherent value, not merely serving as a means to an end. This means bringing our "whole selves" to work – our professional knowledge, our personal experiences, and a conscious awareness of our "private" aspects that might influence our interactions (what some call the "3 Ps"). It invites us to be reflective and willing to acknowledge and work through tensions and conflicts that arise in relationships, actively striving for repair when needed.
A crucial element of relational practice is cultivating genuine curiosity about the lived experience and "life world" of the people we work with, no matter how different their reality might be from our own. This deep understanding enables us to build what is described as a "relational universe" – a strong support network of friends, family, professionals, and community members.
Relational practice is deeply intertwined with the concept of dignity. Recognizing the intrinsic human dignity of each person we support is fundamental to this practice. This is why values like kindness, compassion, and bringing our whole selves to work are emphasized. A German term, Haltung, captures this perfectly: it's about our ethos or mindset, how our personal values and deepest beliefs are expressed in our everyday interactions. It’s our internal compass guiding our ethical orientation.
In practical settings, especially those where violence is present (think children’s services or domestic violence) relational practice (also known as "Dignity Driven Practice") focuses on understanding and supporting individuals and families. This involves:
- Identifying acts of resistance: Recognizing that people actively resist violence, oppression, and suffering, even in subtle ways (like refusing to share information or responding with anger). Understanding what lies behind these behaviors is crucial for building trust.
- Emphasizing self-determination: Giving families and communities the respect to make decisions about their own lives and futures, and adapting our approach to their needs and choices.
- Conscious use of language: Choosing words that partner, empower, and build relationships, avoiding jargon or language that minimizes violence, assigns blame, or creates shame. Challenging discriminatory or oppressive language from others is also part of honoring dignity.
- Attending to power dynamics: Recognizing the power imbalances inherent in professional relationships and actively working to mitigate them through open dialogue and respectful engagement. It's about being aware of one's own privilege and how it impacts interactions.
While there can be definitional ambiguities and complexities, the benefits of relational practice are clear: it contributes to increased self-esteem, motivation, and a sense of meaningful belonging and purpose within individuals and teams. By focusing on genuine human connection and recognizing the inherent dignity in everyone, relational practice offers a powerful pathway to more human-centered and effective social change. It's about building authentic, supportive relationships that allow everyone to flourish.
