how to be a relational therapist
level one
A 9 CEU clinical training for therapists to start to feel more confident being relational with clients & build a more sustainable practice
Enrollment for our fall 2026 cohort is now open!
Build Your Relational Foundation & Practice Getting Messy in the Therapy Room
Relational therapy isn’t about hiding behind neutrality or technique—it’s about bringing your humanity into the room in ways that foster trust, repair, and lasting change. How to Be a Relational Therapist: Level One helps you lay the groundwork for showing up authentically with clients, using vulnerability and stance as healing tools rather than liabilities.
Across three modules, you’ll gain a solid foundation in relational practice while also learning how to sustain yourself as a therapist. This training gives you concrete interventions to use in session, confidence to let your authentic self lead (and your freak flag fly!), and support in navigating the messy, real moments that inevitably arise in therapy. You’ll also explore how relational therapy can be a buffer against burnout—helping you feel more alive and connected in your work instead of depleted by it.
By the end, you’ll walk away with practical tools you can use immediately, a deeper understanding of yourself as a relational clinician, and a supportive community that affirms this powerful truth: the therapist’s humanity is not a problem to manage—it’s a powerful part of the healing process.
Join our interest list to be the first to know when the next How to Be a Relational Therapist: Level One training opens!
“I highly recommend this training to anyone who is interested in practicing more relationally! I learned more than any other training I’ve attended. My clients absolutely love it!”
the deets
Dates & Time
This 4-module workshop that meets once a month on Sundays in September, October, and December of 2026, and in January of 2027.
Part One: Relational Therapy 101 (The Basics of Relational Therapy)
Sept. 27th, 2026 10:00am -1:30pm
Oct. 18th, 2026 10:00am -1:30pm
Part Two: Taking a Stance in the Therapy Room
Dec. 6th, 2026 10:00am -1:30pm
Part Three: Therapist as Human First
Jan. 24th, 2027 10:00am -1:30pm
Scroll down for more detailed information about the topics that will be covered in each part & for pricing and payment plans.
“I am grateful to have found a training aligned with my values...Much of my previous education taught me to place myself in the room as a professional who had to use my ‘self’ as rarely as possible. Because of this work, I’ve already started to attend to my relationships with clients in a more sustainable and authentic way. ”
daily schedule
10:00am -11:45am – Introductions, Educational Material, & Demo
11:45am -12:00pm – Break & Tea
12:00pm -1:15pm – Dyad Practice/Breakout Groups; Q&A
1:15pm -1:30pm – Closing Exercise & Check Out
Commitment
Our cohort model reflects the heart of relational work—it’s not just about learning theory, but about building connection and community that sustains you long after the training ends.
Our hope is that all registrants will plan to attend all four training days. This is important because each day’s material builds upon the previous training modules.
Since the focus of How to Be a Relational Therapist is on relational work, which is largely experiential, building relationships with your fellow training participants is a significant support to furthering your learning. We encourage you to keep in touch with other participants and deepen your relational community!
Enrollment for the 2026 cohort is now open!
Meet your training team
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![Anna Kim, LCSW relational therapy trainer, smiling in blue top with pink striped background,]()
Anna Kim, lcsw
ASSOCIATE CLINICAL DIRECTOR
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![Dani Marrufo, LMFT smiling in chair in waiting room at Kindman & Co.]()
dani marrufo, lmft
LEAD CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
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![Kaitlin Kindman, LCSW wearing a pink blazer and red pants, holding hands with Paul Kindman, LMFT with dark curly hair and beard wearing a black blazer and blue jeans, standing in front of a brick wall with plants.]()
kaitlin & paul kindman
CO-FOUNDERS OF KINDMAN & CO.
All members of our training team are part of our leadership team and actively practicing clinicians using the Relational Therapy modality. They bring extensive experience modeling self-awareness, curiosity, and professional ethics, and have served as clinical supervisors for associate clinicians and clinical interns.
Our training team holds diverse lived experiences and identities and is deeply trained in anti-racist and anti-oppressive clinical practice. As leaders within our organization, they don’t just teach these values, they actively shape and uphold them. They support clinicians in developing professional identity and building stronger, more relational therapeutic connections with clients, leading to more meaningful and effective clinical outcomes.
You can read more about the members of our training team:
Anna Kim, LCSW · Dani Marrufo, LMFT · Kaitlin Kindman, LCSW · Paul Kindman, LMFT
level one: build your relational foundation
Part One: Relational Therapy 101
Part One offers a clear, grounded introduction to relational therapy—what it is, how it works, and how to know when you’re actually practicing relationally in the therapy room.
This section is intentionally spread across two modules to allow time for questions, case integration, and real-time practice so learning can unfold relationally rather than feel rushed or overly technical.
Key themes we’ll explore:
What relational therapy is (and isn’t) — core principles and foundations of relational work
Relational interventions — basic ways relational therapy shows up in the therapy room
Relational goals — what relational therapy aims to support and how change happens
How it differs from other therapy modalities — understanding what’s familiar, what’s new, and what shifts
Effectiveness and outcomes — how relational therapy improves therapeutic outcomes and how we think about measuring effective therapy
Knowing you’re doing it — recognizing relational moments and assessing your own practice
Therapist vulnerability — why clinician vulnerability is essential to relational work and secure therapeutic relationships
Limits of non-relational approaches — where other modalities fall short when a relational lens is missing
Practice in action — a live demo of working in the here-and-now and basic relational practice
Part One takes place across the first two modules on Sept. 27th & Oct. 18th, 2026 | 10:00am -1:30pm
part two: Taking a Stance in the Therapy Room
This module explores what it means to practice relationally in a world shaped by power, privilege, and sociocultural narratives—and why therapist “neutrality” is often neither neutral nor harmless.
Key themes we’ll explore:
Rethinking neutrality — how attempts at being “neutral” can unintentionally cause harm
Challenging professionalism narratives — questioning sociocultural expectations of who/what therapists are supposed to be
Moving beyond the “blank slate” — deconstructing therapist neutrality and its impact on the therapeutic relationship
Modeling humanity and messiness — thoughtfully bringing your full self into the room, including consideration of physical touch
Allowing yourself to be moved — exploring how being impacted by clients can deepen relational work
Power and privilege in the therapeutic relationship — understanding why ongoing reflection here is essential, not optional
Practice in action — a live demo modeling how to take a stance in the therapy room and therapeutic relationship
Part Two is on Dec. 6th, 2026 | 10:00am -1:30pm
part three: the therapist as human first
This module is about being a therapist and a person—how to stay human, relational, and grounded while doing deeply meaningful clinical work.
Key themes we’ll explore:
Showing up as a whole person in the therapy room — how to stay relational, present, and human while holding your clinical role
Authenticity and transparency — valuing your own humanity and knowing when (and how) to bring it into the work
Practicing vulnerability — using relational vulnerability ethically and intentionally
Burnout awareness — how relational therapy helps you recognize when you’re getting “crispy” and what to do about it
Navigating personal life events — support around when personal life shows up in the therapy room and how to talk about it with clients
Boundaries and dependence — understanding how over-reliance on your care can work against therapeutic goals
Real-life practice — breakout groups focused on common relational challenges and building confidence in the moment
Part Three is on Jan. 24th, 2027 | 10:00am -1:30pm
relational training f.a.q.
General Training FAQs
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This training is designed for therapists: LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, LEPs, as well as associates/pre-licensed clinicians and graduate students currently enrolled in a psychotherapy program. It’s for any therapist who wants to deepen their capacity for relational work.
This training is a great fit if you’re feeling limited by manualized or technique-heavy approaches and want to bring more authenticity, curiosity, and connection into the therapy room.
Whether you’re a graduate student, newly licensed, or decades into your career, How to Be a Relational Therapist: Level One offers a foundation in relational theory and practice that helps you feel more confident, real, and effective with clients.
This training is for you if you:
Are able to attend an in-person training in Highland Park, Los Angeles.
Therapists wanting to understand relational therapy more
Therapists wanting to gain and practice relational therapy skills
Therapists wanting to build community with other therapists with shared clinical interests
Therapists wanting to increase their ability to question therapeutic norms and standards rooted in oppressive systems
Therapists wanting to find a therapeutic style that fosters more personal authenticity, sustainability, and works to combat burnout as a clinician
Therapists wanting to learn new clinical skills and interventions for working with individual clients
Please note: the training material is primarily focused on supporting therapists working in private practice who see clients on a long-term basis (approximately 1+ year or so). If you work in an agency setting or with short-term clients, you absolutely can benefit from this training, just know that it is primarily geared towards longer-term work.
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Relational therapy invites you to move beyond neutrality and perfectionism—to bring your full, human self into the therapeutic relationship. This approach strengthens trust, deepens insight, and supports lasting change for both you and your clients.
Participants often describe this training as a turning point in their professional life: reconnecting them with the heart of the work and providing the community, language, and support they’ve been craving.
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You’ll gain a practical foundation in relational therapy, including tools for working in the here-and-now, navigating power and privilege, and using your own emotional experience as a source of connection and healing.
You’ll also leave with a renewed sense of confidence and sustainability in your practice—knowing how to stay grounded, authentic, and alive in the work instead of burned out by it.
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Probably not—many clinicians who join this training already identify as working relationally.
One of the most common pieces of feedback we hear is that clinicians thought they were practicing relational therapy until starting the training. This isn’t because they were “doing it wrong,” but because relational work has far more depth, nuance, and range than most of us are initially taught.
For many participants, the training becomes an opportunity to deepen into authenticity, presence, and ethical vulnerability in ways that feel both clarifying and expanding.
Clinicians often leave with a more embodied understanding of what it means to take relational risks, to be genuinely impacted by clients, and to bring more of themselves into the therapeutic relationship, all while staying grounded in ethics, boundaries, and clinical responsibility.
If you’re curious about how relational therapy can feel more alive, more honest, and more sustainable in your work, this training is likely to meet you where you are and invite you further.
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We’re so glad you asked! After completing Level One, you’ll be eligible for How to Be a Relational Therapist: Level Two, which takes you deeper into the real-world (often messy!) challenges of relational work—complex dynamics, challenging emotions like grief and shame, therapist vulnerability, and working through repair.
Many participants choose to complete both levels (or the full bundle) to strengthen their skills and grow in a supportive, ongoing community of relational clinicians.
admin & ceu FAQs
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Yes! How to Be a Relational Therapist: Level One is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT #1032875) to offer continuing education hours for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs. You’ll earn 12 CE hours upon completion of the four-module training.
If you want to attend and aren’t looking for CEUs or are a student/associate therapist, we offer tiered pricing options.
Please note: graduate students and associate therapists are not eligible for CEU credit.
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At the completion of the training, participants will be able to:
Define relational therapy and differentiate it from one-person and 1.5-person psychologies.
Identify at least three core components of relational therapy, including enactments, use of self, collision vs. collusion, and mutual vulnerability.
Describe the neurobiological basis of attachment and how it supports relational healing in therapy.
Recognize signs of therapeutic enactments and explain the difference between collision and collusion in relational dynamics.
Demonstrate the use of embodied awareness (e.g., somatic tracking, interoception) during a dyadic exercise with a peer.
Articulate how social context, power, and identity impact the therapeutic relationship and influence relational interventions.
Apply relational interventions that emphasize repair, co-regulation, and collaborative meaning-making.
Reflect on personal patterns of avoidance or over-functioning in the therapeutic relationship and their impact on the clinical process.
Develop a self-reflective practice for identifying and navigating personal vulnerabilities in the therapy room.
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Level One course meets the qualifications for 12 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
Participants will receive a certificate of course completion in exchange for a completed evaluation form by one week following the conclusion of their training. If a participant needs another copy of their records, they may contact Kindman & Co. via email or phone at any time, using either training@kindman.co, or our main phone line (213) 793-2990 and either our Care Coordinator, Training Coordinator, or another member of our team will get them another copy of their certificate within 48 business hours.
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To support a cohort feel, our ideal size for this workshop is 8-14 registrants in order to provide a trauma-sensitive, containing space that better supports learning and makes room for all attendees to ask questions.
Once you have submitted your registration and payment, your spot is secured and you will receive more information as the start date gets closer.
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If you really want to join us but can’t make all of the training module dates, please email us with more info at training@kindman.co and let’s chat about what’s possible!
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We are dedicated to making our service offerings and trainings accessible to all who are interested.
We do have a handicapped parking spot available in our private lot that can be made available to you with advance notice.
Please know that depending on the size of the training, we may need to move to a larger space above our office, that does require the use of stairs.
If you need any accommodations, please email us at training@kindman.co and we will do our very best to meet your needs!
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If you need to cancel your registration for any reason, you must do so by Friday, September 4th, 2026 by sending an email to training@kindman.co.
As long as you cancel by this date, you will be eligible for a full refund of any payment you’ve already made. Any cancellations after this date will only be eligible for a partial refund.
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Grievances shall be submitted by email and acknowledgement of receipt sent within 24 business hours. The Program Administrator will review the grievance and respond back to participant within 48 business hours.
CEU CREDIT
Kindman & Co. (Provider #1032875) is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs. Kindman & Co. maintains the responsibility for the program and all its content.
Ways to Join Us - Invest in your Relational Practice
Choose Your Relational Therapy Adventure: Start Messy, Get Braver, or Do Both!
With multiple levels, flexible fees, payment plans, and CEU offerings, you have plenty of options for diving into a lively, supportive space where growth—and a little messiness—is celebrated.
level one
Build Your Relational Foundation — Learn the theory & practice getting messy in the room.
4 Modules • 12 CE Hours
Therapy isn’t tidy, and neither is learning it!
In this interactive cohort, we’ll lay down relational foundations while experimenting, stumbling, & laughing our way through the real mess of the work. You’ll find support for your own humanness, connection with peers who “get it,” and practical tools you can bring straight into session.
Enrollment for the Fall 2026 cohort is now open.
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Dates:
Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025 1-4:30pm
Sunday, Nov. 16th, 2025 1-4:30pm
Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026 1-4:30pm
*Qualifies for 9 CEU hours, with 1.5 hours of break time. Breaks do not qualify for CEU hours.
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Level One Payment Options:
Paid Before or On 9/15/25:
Pay in Full — $549 paid upon registration
Payment Plan — two installments of $295
Investment After 9/15/25:
Pay in Full—$599 paid upon registration
Payment Plan— two installments of $320
Note: The Payment Plan option requires that the first installment is paid upon registration and the second will be charged after completion of the first module.
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Level One Payment Options:
Paid Before or On 9/15/25:
Pay in Full — $499 paid upon registration
Payment Plan — two installments of $270
Investment After 9/15/25:
Pay in Full—$549 paid upon registration
Payment Plan— two installments of $295
Note: The Payment Plan option requires that the first installment is paid upon registration and the second will be charged after completion of the first module.
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There are four reduced fee spots for available for Associate-Level clinicians & graduate students currently enrolled in therapy programs.
Investment On or Before 9/15/25: $349 (or two installments of $190)
Investment After 9/15/25: $399 (or two installments of $215)
Note: The Payment Plan option requires that the first installment is paid upon registration and the second will be charged after completion of the first module in Level One. If interested in securing a reduced fee spot, please email training@kindman.co
level two
Beyond the Basics — Start to get braver, messier, & be more skilled in the therapy room.
4 Modules • 12 CE Hours
Once you’ve dipped into the mess, it’s time to lean in deeper.
In Level Two, you’ll take on the tougher stuff: complex cases, sticky dynamics, and those “oh f*@k, what do I do now?” therapy moments. Together we’ll practice getting braver and more skillful while still honoring the humanity (and humor) that makes relational therapy so alive.
Enrollment for level two requires previously attending level one. Add your name to the interest list to get early access (and early bird pricing) when the next level two cohort opens.
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Dates:
Sunday, Feb, 22, 2026 1-4:30pm
Sunday, Mar. 22, 2026 1-4:30pm
Sunday, Apr. 26, 2026 1-4:30pm
Sunday, May 24, 2026 1-5:30pm (4:30-5:30pm closing celebration!)
*Qualifies for 12 CEU hours, with 3 hours of break/party time. Breaks do not qualify for CEU hours.
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Level Two Payment Options:
Pay in Full—$829 paid upon registration
Payment Plan— two installments of $435
Note: The Payment Plan option requires that the first installment is paid upon registration and the second will be charged after completion of the first module.
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Level Two Payment Options:
Pay in Full—$779 paid upon registration
Payment Plan— two installments of $410
Note: The Payment Plan option requires that the first installment is paid upon registration and the second will be charged after completion of the first module.
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There are four reduced fee spots for available for Associate-Level clinicians & graduate students currently enrolled in therapy programs.
Pay in Full—$549 paid upon registration
Payment Plan— two installments of $290
Note: The Payment Plan option requires that the first installment is paid upon registration and the second will be charged after completion of the first module in Level Two. If interested in securing a reduced fee spot, please email training@kindman.co
bundle: one + two
Start messy, grow braver, & get more skilled — The whole relational therapy journey.
8 Modules • 24 CE Hours
Why stop halfway? The Bundle takes you from solid foundations to deeper dives, giving you the full shebang of messy, brave, relational learning. Across seven modules we’ll build skills, wrestle with the hard stuff, laugh at our humanness, and grow in a committed community. It’s the most supportive (& cost-effective) way to enjoy everything the training offers.
Includes all eight modules (24 CEU hours total!) Save up to $150 when compared to registering separately.
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Dates:
Level One
Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025 1-4:30pm
Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025 1-4:30pm
Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026 1-4:30pm
Level Two
Sunday, Feb, 22, 2026 1-4:30pm
Sunday, Mar. 22, 2026 1-4:30pm
Sunday, Apr. 26, 2026 1-4:30pm
Sunday, May 24, 2026 1-5:30pm (4:30-5:30pm closing celebration)
*Qualifies for 21 CEU hours, with 4.5 hours of break/party time. Breaks do not qualify for CEU hours.
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Bundle Payment Options (with CEUs):
Paid Before or On 11/30/25:
Pay in Full — $1,275 paid upon registration
Payment Plan — two installments of $670
Note: The Payment Plan option requires that the first installment is paid upon registration and the second will be charged after completion of the second module in Level One. If this date has passed, you must pay in full to secure the bundle pricing.
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Bundle Payment Options (no CEUs):
Paid Before or On 11/30/25:
Pay in Full — $1,195 paid upon registration
Payment Plan — two installments of $630
Note: The Payment Plan option requires that the first installment is paid upon registration and the second will be charged after completion of the second module in Level One. If this date has passed, you must pay in full to secure the bundle.
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There are four reduced fee spots for available for Associate-Level clinicians & graduate students currently enrolled in therapy programs.
Bundle Reduced Fee Investment :
Paid Before or On 11/30/25:
Pay in Full — $825 paid at time of registration
Payment Plan — Paid in two installments of $440
Note: The Payment Plan option requires that the first installment is paid upon registration and the second will be charged after completion of the second module in Level One. If this date has passed, you must pay in full to secure the bundle. If interested in securing a reduced fee spot, please email training@kindman.co
Stay Connected
Even if you missed this round, we’d love to stay in touch. We usually open Level One registration once a year, and our last cohort filled within a few weeks.
Join our interest list by clicking the button below to receive updates on upcoming trainings and be first in line!