RLT Research

We are committed to validating the efficacy of the Relational Life Therapy model through rigorous research. Our goal is to provide credible, evidenced-based support for RLT as a therapeutic approach.

Validating RLT Through Research Will Allow Us To

Increase awareness and accessibility of RLT by enabling more people to benefit from its transformative work. Achieving evidence-based status is essential for inclusion in university programs, professional training, and will enable us to bring RLT into the lives of youth through school programs.
Demonstrate the theory and practical value behind the RLT approach.
Strengthen our fundraising efforts by qualifying for grants and program funding that require evidence-based models.
Expand access to free or sliding-scale therapy for under-resourced groups participating in our studies, advancing our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). Research allows us to amplify our social impact and make a positive difference in our communities.

Our Research Approach

To ensure RLT is both effective and adaptable, we examine what works best, for whom, and under what circumstances. Our team collects data from practitioners and participants using interviews, surveys, and case studies, adhering to the best practices outlined in American Psychological Association guidelines.

Publishing our findings will support RLT’s recognition as an evidence-based treatment, leading to greater visibility, expanded research opportunities, and the ability to serve a wider range of populations.

Through conducting thorough and extensive research studies,
we aim to prove RLT 'Evidence-Based'.

Why Evidence-Based Status Matters

Raises the profile of RLT and supports its adoption in educational and clinical training programs (such as those accredited by the APA)
Enables broader dissemination and future research
Opens doors to additional funding sources for further research and dissemination of the RLT model

Meet Our Research Team

Dr. Jae Sevelius
Senior Research Strategist

Dr. Sabrina R. Cluesman, PhD, MSW, LCSW
Research Director

Samantha M. Serrano, MPH, MPA
Research Coordinator

Dr. Talea Cornelius, PhD, MSW, MS
Research Statistician

Our Current Research Projects

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relational life therapy outcomes study

All our research studies are reviewed by:

References for the Above Write-Ups

American Psychological Association (APA) Presidential Task Force on Evidence-Based Practice. (2006) Evidence-based practice in psychology. (American Psychologist, 61(4), 271–285. https://doi-org.proxy.lib.sfu.ca/10.1037/0003-066X.61.4.271

Chambless, D. L., & Hollon, S. D. (1998). Defining empirically supported therapies. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 66(1), 7–18. https://doi-org.proxy.lib.sfu.ca/10.1037/0022-006X.66.1.7

Locke, K. D. (2006). Interpersonal circumplex measures. In S. Strack (Ed.), Differentiating normal and abnormal personality (pp. 383–400). Springer Publishing Company.

Real, T. (2007). The New Rules of Marriage. New York: Ballantine Books.

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Research on RLT

We are committed to validating the efficacy of the Relational Life Therapy model through​ rigorous research. Our goal is to provide credible, evidenced-based support for RLT as a therapeutic approach.

Validating RLT Through Research Will Allow Us To​​