About Us

The work of the Jean Baker Miller Training Institute is based on the Relational-Cultural Model of development. This model focuses on growth-fostering relationships as the central human necessity and disconnections as the source of psychological problems. It assumes that all growth-fostering relationships and all disconnections are constructed within specific cultural contexts.

The Relational-Cultural Model, developed at the Stone Center at Wellesley College, is the result of a collaborative process of theory building. It grew out of our experiences as women and guides us toward an enhanced understanding of all human development. The formulation of more accurate models of development--in particular, women's development--will lead us to effective responses to a multitude of psychological, social, and organizational problems, ultimately promoting the greater health and well-being of all people.

The workshops, courses, professional trainings, publications, and ongoing projects at the Institute explore applications of the relational approach and integrate research, psychological theory, and social action. At the heart of our work is the belief that the Relational-Cultural Model opens the way to a new, beneficial paradigm for understanding human experience.