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

Therapist office with gray sofa, four decorative pillows, two framed abstract blue watercolor paintings on the white wall, a floor lamp, and a window to the right.

Enrollment for our October 2025 cohort is now full.

Join the waitlist to be the first to know when registration opens for the next How to Be a Relational Therapist: Level One training!

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.

✨ Enrollment for our October 2025 cohort is now full.
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!”
— past HTBART attendee

the deets

Below is the most recent Level One schedule for reference. Upcoming cohorts will follow a similar structure.

Dates & Time

This 3-part workshop will meet once a month on Sundays in October and November 2025 and January of 2026.

  • Part One: Oct. 12th, 2025 1-4:30pm

    • Relational Therapy 101 (The Basics of Relational Therapy)

  • Part Two: Nov. 16th, 2025 1-4:30pm

    • Taking a Stance in the Therapy Room

  • Part Three: Jan. 11th, 2026 1-4:30pm

    • Therapist as Human First

Scroll down for more detailed information about what topics will be covered in each module & 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. ”
— Heidi M.

daily schedule

1:00-2:45pm – Introductions, Educational Material, & Demo

2:45-3:00pm – Break & Tea

3:00-4:15pm – Dyad Practice/ Breakout Groups; Q&A

4:15-4:30pm – Closing Exercise & Check Out

A burnt orange sofa with a pink quilted pillow, two yellow lemons on the floor, and a yellow reusable shopping bag on the sofa, against a green wall with a white rug.
A group of modern chairs in various colors including blue, gray, black, and beige, arranged in a pattern, likely in a conference or waiting area.

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 three 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 this cohort is currently closed, but you can sign up below to be the first to hear when our next session opens.

I'm Interested in Joining the Next Cohort!

Meet your training team

  • Anna Kim, LCSW relational therapy trainer, smiling in blue top with pink striped background,

    Anna Kim, lcsw

    TEAM LEAD & TRAINING COORDINATOR

  • Dani Marrufo, LMFT smiling in chair in waiting room at Kindman & Co.

    dani marrufo, lmft

    CLINICAL SUPERVISOR

  • 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 of our instructors are actively working as clinicians using the Relational Therapy modality. They each have extensive experience in modeling self-awareness, curiosity, and professional ethics, and have worked as clinical supervisors for associate clinicians and clinical interns. They have diverse lived experiences and identities, and are trained in anti-racist and anti-oppressive clinical practice. Our instructors will help you learn how to develop your professional identities and build stronger therapeutic relationships with clients, leading to better therapeutic outcomes.

level one: build your relational foundation

Part One: Relational Therapy 101

  • What is relational therapy?

  • What are some basic relational therapy interventions?

  • What are relational therapy goals and outcomes?

  • How is relational therapy different than what I already know?

  • How does relational therapy improve therapeutic outcomes? How do we measure effective therapy?

  • How do you know you’re actually doing relational therapy?

  • Why the therapist’s vulnerability is essential when working relationally & to build a strong, secure therapeutic relationship

  • Discussion of limitations of other modalities when a relational approach is not included

  • Includes a demo of working in the here-and-now and basic relational practice

Facilitated by Anna Kim, LCSW & Paul Kindman, LMFT

part two: Taking a Stance in the Therapy Room

  • How being “neutral” can actually cause harm

  • How to start challenging sociocultural narratives around professionalism in therapy

  • Deconstructing the idea of a “blank slate” and challenging therapist neutrality

  • Modeling your own messiness, your humanity, and considering including physical touch

  • Exploring the importance of allowing yourself to be moved and impacted by your clients and why this is helpful to your work

  • Exploring power & privilege in the therapeutic relationship and why you need to be doing this

  • Includes a demo of modeling how to take a stance in the therapy room/therapeutic relationship

Facilitated by Anna Kim, LCSW & Dani Marrufo, LMFT

part three: the therapist as human first

  • How to be a therapist and a person in the therapy room

  • Valuing and being transparent about your own authenticity & humanity

  • Practicing your own vulnerability in the therapeutic relationship

  • How relational therapy helps you address burnout & recognizing when you’re starting to get “crispy”

  • Support for navigating personal life circumstances/events and how to discuss these moments with clients

  • Recognizing how building dependence on your care works against therapeutic goals and the importance of setting boundaries that serve you and your clients

  • Includes breakout groups on common challenges you encounter working relationally & how to feel confident in these moments

Facilitated by Anna Kim, LCSW & Kaitlin Kindman, LCSW

Sounds great--Let me know about the next cohort!

relational training f.a.q.

CAMFT approved continuing education provider seal

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.

  • This training is designed for licensed and pre-licensed therapists a—LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and associates—who want to deepen their capacity for relational work. It’s 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 grounding in relational theory and practice that helps you feel more confident, real, and effective with clients.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 9 CE hours upon completion of the three-module training.

    If you want to attend and aren’t looking for CEUs or are a student/associate therapist, we offer tiered pricing options.

  • Our Level One training typically runs once a year and fills quickly. Enrollment for the current cohort is now full.

    We’re a bit messy too and haven’t determined the dates for the 2026 training yet. Join the interest list to be the first to hear when registration opens again—and get early access to spots (and early bird pricing) before public registration begins.

  • 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 challenges of relational work—complex dynamics, 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.

Ways to Join Us — Next Cohorts Coming Soon

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.

A tall saguaro cactus in a desert landscape with shrubs and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.

level one

Build Your Relational Foundation — Learn the theory & practice getting messy in the room.

3 Modules • 9 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 is currently closed. Add your name to the interest list to get early access (and early bird pricing! when the next cohort opens.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

Close-up of a green prickly pear cactus with oval pads covered in small white spines.

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 one cohort opens.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

A group of tall, green cacti with multiple vertical stems under a partly cloudy sky.

bundle: one + two

Start messy, grow braver, & get more skilled — The whole relational therapy journey.

7 Modules • 21 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 seven modules (21 CEU hours total!) Save up to $150 when compared to registering separately.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

Let us know you're interested in the 2026 cohort