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

Jae Sevelius
​Senior Research Strategist

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

Our Current Research Projects

click the buttons below to learn about each study

Developed from clinical experience, the RLT Relationship Grid provides a powerful map for individuals and couples to understand their roles in conflict. It also turns out to have overlapping qualities with assessment tools used in personality and clinical research, and may prove to have greater clinical utility, particularly for couples therapists.

Relationship Grid Survey

In order to be considered an evidence based treatment RLT needs to conduct at least two therapy outcome studies.  These studies need to demonstrate that there is a significant improvement in the behaviors or other variables being targeted by the treatment, and that the improvement is a result of the intervention. ​

Couples Therapy Outcome Study

All our research studies are reviewed by:

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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.

Respectful relationships have the power to change our world.

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