Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Relational Teaching in Mental Health Education: A 20-Year Narrative Review
Kelly Duggan Shearer1,2, Zephon D Lister2
1Clinical Counseling Department, Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, USA.
Abstract:
Relational teaching emphasizes the development of the student in the context of the teacher-student relationship. Given that the field of marriage and family therapy (MFT) emphasizes relationships as central to the discipline, relational teaching practices provide an approach for MFT educators to train relationally attuned, socially just clinicians. We conducted a narrative review of published research from 2003 to 2023 on the conceptualization and application of a relational teaching framework in mental health clinical education programs. After screening, a total of 25 articles were identified for analysis. Four themes were identified within the literature: (1) using isomorphism to teach relational skills, (2) addressing power, (3) course application, and (4) obstacles to implementation. The findings of this study suggest that applying a relational framework to MFT education capitalizes on systemic concepts of isomorphism and social justice, conceptualizing the teacher-student relationship as a means to train students in relational processes that are essential in therapeutic relationships.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Therapeutic Communication
Verbal communication depends on language or a prescribed way of using words so that people can share information effectively. The critical aspects of verbal...
Psychodynamic Therapy
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
Couples Therapy
Core Principles and Techniques
Couples therapy often incorporates cognitive-behavioral principles to identify and modify negative...
Relationship Growth
Equity Theory

