Relational Savoring: Using Guided Reflection to Strengthen Relationships and Improve Outcomes in Therapy

This book provides an overview of the science and practice of relational savoring, a brief, guided reflection exercise that helps clients reconnect with memories of being closely connected with another person.

Positive connection with others provide essential psychological benefits. Yet for many therapy clients, it is all too easy to overlook these positive moments. Relational savoring helps clients reflect on and value these experiences and relationships, to achieve improved relationship satisfaction and better emotion regulation.

This book blends research, theory, expert clinical guidance, and compelling case examples to show how therapists can use the relational savoring approach with clients. Therapists first help clients choose an appropriate memory to savor, then guide them through a reflection exercise where they reflect on the emotions, thoughts, and significance associated with a close-connected experience occurring within an attachment relationship (e.g., parent-child or intimate partnerships).

Relational savoring is an ideal complement to other, ongoing interventions. Alternatively, the approach can be used on its own. Given its versatility, effectiveness, and brevity, this intervention will be a welcome addition to any therapist’s toolkit.