A map of relational possibilities: Translating theory into practice

Abstract

This paper provides an outline of a novel approach to explain the complexity of human relationships. A map of relational possibilities was developed by the first author to explain complex theoretical concepts to their clients in a private practice. It describes the process of what an infant will do to manage relationally traumatic situations where their caregivers have failed to consistently scaffold the infant's fear management system or meet the requirements to ensure a robust sense of self develops. The map also describes the nature of relationships between individuals with differentiated selves. This paper then discusses how the map manages to bridge the research–practice gap in a unique way using everyday language to describe processes that are familiar to every human in managing complex relational dynamics.