ABSTRACT
Relational theory lends itself to internal critique in a particular way. Embracing a constructivist and perspectival reconceptualization of the therapeutic dyad meant that the analyst was no longer the arbiter of truth and falsehood. Relational theory embraces critique as the venue for growth. However, despite a theoretical perspective that ought to welcome self-critique, relational analysts are no more open or receptive to critique than those from other psychoanalytic schools. Lewis Aron's interview of Jay Greenberg provides historical context for the development of relational ideas. In their conversation, Lewis Aron and Jay Greenberg both reminisce about our early beginnings and describe how relational theory has developed. Steven Cooper explores the overarching principles of relational theory as influenced by other theoretical perspectives. Steven Cooper views relational theory not as a systematic metapsychology or theory of technique, but rather as a broad meta-theory on a different level of abstraction as compared to single schools such as self psychology.
