Caitlyn Liao,LCSWA

My Approach to Helping

More Info About My Practice

Relational Psych is a group therapy practice based in Seattle that specializes in relational and psychodynamic approaches to foster healing and personal growth for clients. Our team of skilled therapists create an open, nonjudgmental environment to help people gain self-insight, process emotions, and make impactful changes. We blend talk therapy with experiential methods tailored to client needs.

At Relational Psych, we believe the therapeutic relationship itself can be transformative in overcoming past wounds and developing healthier ways of relating. We cultivate authenticity and vulnerability so clients feel safe exploring their inner worlds. Our therapists draw from psychoanalytic, attachment, somatic, and trauma-informed frameworks to illuminate unconscious patterns and facilitate lasting change.

We offer individual, couples, and group therapy for adolescents and adults. While we have expertise in anxiety, depression, trauma, relational issues, and more, our goal is to meet each client where they are and support their unique growth process. We want to help people reconnect with purpose and actualize their full potential.

How Psychotherapy Can Help

Therapy provides a unique space for self-exploration, healing, and growth. The therapeutic relationship acts as a secure base to make sense of old wounds so you can rewrite limiting narratives holding you back. Through our work together, you can gain clarity, cultivate self-compassion, and relate to yourself and others in healthier ways.

Therapy helps you:
- Unpack your story and make meaning of your experiences
- Identify unhealthy patterns and their origins
- Process difficult emotions safely
- Challenge critical inner voices and self-judgment
- Develop tools to manage anxiety, depression, anger, etc.
- Gain insight into relationship dynamics
- Resolve inner conflicts and integrate disconnected parts of self
- Find purpose and passion
- Actualize your full potential

Rather than offering direct advice, I walk this journey with you, guiding you to your own inner wisdom. It takes courage to look inward, but you can heal and transform. If you're ready to do the inner work, therapy provides a path.

Importance of the Client-Therapist Alliance

One of the most important factors in successful therapy is the relationship between client and therapist. This therapeutic alliance provides the secure base for you to explore vulnerabilities, gain clarity, and enact change.

Building trust takes time and effort on both our parts. I strive to cultivate mutual understanding, respect, and compassion. My role is to listen deeply, guide gently, and empower you. I aim to "meet you where you are" by attuning to your unique needs and objectives.

An effective alliance involves you feeling safe, accepted, and valued exactly as you are in our sessions. My goal is for this relationship to allow you to show up authentically so we can do meaningful work. Please share any thoughts on how I can foster your comfort and trust. I'm committed to making this space one of care, skill and wisdom so you can heal and grow.

The Duration and Frequency of Therapy

The length and frequency of therapy depends on each client's unique needs and goals. Some benefits can be noticed within the first several sessions, while deeper transformation often unfolds over months or years. I recommend weekly sessions to start, so we can build momentum and continuity in our work together.

I aim for each session to feel meaningful and worthwhile. Temporary increased frequency is sometimes helpful during periods of crisis or transition. Finding the rhythm that allows steady progress at your pace provides the best results. Committing to the process, while being patient with yourself, is key.