Das In-Beziehung-Sein, das Vertikale und das Horizontale: Eine Kritik an „Relational Depth“

Abstract

The Relational, the Vertical, and the Horizontal: A Critique of “Relational Depth”: Within person-centred psychology, “relational depth” appears to be the predominant contemporary conceptualisation of the therapeutic relationship and of working in this relationship. This article offers a number of critiques of the theory and practice of “relational depth” and of “working at” relational depth. In doing so, the article is based on and argues for a shift in thinking: from “relationship” to “relating”; from a relational perspective based on the self to one based on the organism; and from a perspective which privileges the vertical to one which encompasses the horizontal, not only between people but also beyond people. In critiquing the concept of relational depth, the article focuses particularly on the language used to describe and claim relational depth, as language is significant in representing meaning and the underlying philosophy of theory and practice (see Tudor & Worrall, 2006).