Is the RLT Certification Right for Me?

• What is the RLT Certification?

The RLT Certification is an immersive training program developed by Terry Real and the Faculty of RLT offered through the Relational Life Institute. It’s designed to equip therapists and coaches with the knowledge, tools, and relational skills to guide clients and couples through deep, lasting transformation using the Relational Life Therapy (RLT) model.

• I'm interested in joining the Certification Programme - where can I learn more information and how would i sign up?

You can learn more and sign up here - https://relationallife.com/certification/

• What type of Certifications do you offer?

We offer two Certification tracks - one for Therapists and one for Coaches.

• Who is the RLT Couples Therapist Certification suitable for?

The Couples Therapist Certification training is suitable for licensed therapists (or those on the way to becoming licensed) who want to work confidently and effectively with couples. This includes psychotherapists, psychologists, counselors, and social workers.

We welcome applications from therapists with solid training in their field. Prior experience working with couples is recommended, but not compulsory. If you do not currently work with couples, you can begin the program working with individuals (access to couples will be required approximately a year into your training).

• Who is the RLT Coaching Certification suitable for?

The Coaching Certification is suitable for coaches who want to confidently help their clients improve their relationships, from their intimate partnerships to friends, family, and coworkers.

We welcome applications from established coaches currently working with clients, and with solid training and experience in their field (this training is not suitable for students or very new coaches without access to clients).

• Is Certification recommended for someone for whom couples therapy is not the main focus?

It is recommended, but not required, that you work with couples to fully apply the Relational Life Therapy model during your training.

The Certification training was originally designed for couples Therapists. RLT is a Relational Model meaning that it is best applied when both parties are in the room. However, our new Certification training has made these skills applicable in other kinds of relationships and with individual clients.

Coaches are not required to work with a Couple in order to become certified as an RLT Certified Relational Coach. However, it is recommended as this training is still focused on Relational Skills and Coaching.

• Would RLT Certification be a good fit for me if I work with individuals, sibling and cousin groups, couples and families as a whole on building better relationships?

The short answer is “Yes”.

However, the training is meant primarily for Practitioners that work with couples as well as individuals.

While the skills are applicable in other kinds of relationships, and the training would certainly be helpful for that, it is recommended that applicants have some couples to work with.

• How long does it take to complete the RLT Certification? (Coaches and Therapists)

Coaches take on average 12-18 months. Therapists take on average 18-24 months

• My couples work is focused on consensual non monogamus couples, what are the RLT teachings around that topic?

While our certification courses don’t focus on the specific challenges of consensual nonmonogamous couples, RLT is as applicable to non-hetero and non-monogamous couples as it is to hetero and monogamous couples.

There are also some small sections in our course "The Art of Relational Living" that address this. For a much deeper look please check out our course on "Sex and RLT" which addresses this more deeply.

• Do you have any support groups/channels for students part of the RLT programmes to connect and make a buddy system or to help with accountability?

The Practicum leaders usually invite participants to share emails (phone numbers) to support connecting outside of the training

• I am interested in Certification but rarely work with clients in English. Would Certification be right for me?

We have had very strong students who rarely work with clients in English.

One such case review was in Hebrew, and because the therapist had taken the time to create a transcript and the recorded work was a video, her RLT skills were clear.

If you choose to work in your first language, there will be some extra work at the SGM and Case Review stage and if you are willing to do some extra translation work at this stage you can certainly thrive in Certification.

• How is RLT training different from the Couples Institute or other systemic approaches?

The Couples Institute is based on a Developmental Model (stages of a relationship that mirror stages of childhood). RLT, while also grounded in Systems Theory, emphasizes the cycle of harmony, disharmony, and repair - both across the span of a relationship and in small, moment-to-moment interactions.

A distinctive feature of RLT is its integration of feminism and intersectionality, which highlight power differentials within relationships and the broader culture. RLT therapists and coaches are trained to name and address these dynamics directly by “joining through the truth.”

Even very experienced therapists often find that RLT brings fresh tools and perspectives. Many gain particular value from the practicum and Level 1 training. If someone is already successful with another model, it can be helpful to explore what drew them to RLT - often it’s the sense that something was missing, especially around speaking truth to power with love.

• How would RLT help a coach who works with Single individuals? My work is mostly with singles who are not currently in relationships - working on their relationship with their “self” and setting them up for success in future relationships. Would this 18 month Certification training be beneficial/right for me?

Yes, the 18 months RLT Certification for Coaches is a great fit for those working with singles. It helps clients build a healthier relationship with themselves by addressing family-of-origin patterns, developing the Wise Adult, and learning practical relational tools like boundaries, truth-telling, and empathy. Even without a current partner, singles can use these skills to transform how they relate in all areas of life and prepare for future intimacy. The training is trauma-informed, coach-appropriate, and deeply empowering for personal and relational growth.

• Is RLT training somatic or cognitive?

RLT is not exclusively cognitive, somatic, or emotionally-focused - it’s a blend of all three.

We pay attention to what’s happening cognitively, emotionally, and somatically (neurophysiologically). For example, we might ask clients to notice body sensations, explore non-verbal communication, or identify the stories they tell themselves.

We also help clients become more aware of emotions and how feelings shape their thoughts and behaviours. In short, RLT emphasises mastery across all three domains, rather than prioritizing one over the others.

• Is the RLT Foundations training the same as Level 1 training?

No, while there is some overlap, Level 1 goes much deeper than Foundations.

The Foundations course was designed as an accessible introduction and touches lightly on aspects of Phases 2 and 3.

Think of Foundations as a “teaser” or entry point, whereas Level 1 provides comprehensive training with significantly more content and depth.

• As a female therapist, will it be harder for me to challenge male clients, and how is this addressed in RLT training?

It’s common for therapists from marginalised identities (including women) to worry about how their authority will be received, especially when confronting grandiosity in male clients.

RLT acknowledges this reality and discusses it throughout the training. You’ll find support and strategies in multiple formats including live calls, practicums, and course resources so that you can confidently speak truth to power with love, regardless of your own identity.

• What challenges do therapists and coaches face in couples work, and how does RLT help?

Many therapists and coaches report challenges such as:

-Limited experience with couples and systems during training placements

-Difficulty finding couples to work with early in their career

-Lack of specialised training in managing two perspectives and agendas at once

These challenges can leave professionals feeling underprepared, which may impact their confidence and effectiveness. RLT addresses these issues by providing structured training, opportunities to observe and practice, peer supervision, and certification programs.

With ongoing learning and support, practitioners can build a strong couples practice and develop confidence in their skills.

• Can attendance from RLT Certification be counted toward other coaching education hours (like ICF)?

In some cases, attendance from RLT Certification may be submitted for training education hours by ICF for Coaches. RLI does not assist with this process, this is the responsibility of the student.

• Is hospital chaplaincy a good fit for RLT Certification?

The RLT model is designed for multiple sessions. Hospital chaplaincy is generally short-term and brief, so it’s not usually a good fit. Pastoral counseling could be a better fit.

• How does the institute track completion of pre-recorded learning materials?

Currently this is on the “honor system.” We do not track completion. Many students also do live versions of courses, which won’t show on the platform. Completion is demonstrated in practicums, SGM, and case reviews.

• What are the qualifying criteria for applying to RLT Certification in terms of work experience?

Applicants must have experience working with clients. Those who have never worked with clients are not a good fit for Certification but can still take trainings and special topic courses.

Once they meet insurance requirements and have client experience, they become eligible for Certification. Any prior purchases are discounted toward the full Certification.

• Can a prospective student explore the coach track before enrolling in the therapist track?

Yes. They do not need to decide before enrolling. They are able to upgrade later.

• How does RLT support prospective students who are highly experienced but lack official accreditations?

Such students can have a call with faculty for guidance. They must ensure access to romantic couples for practice during Certification. Endorsements from trusted RLT therapists carry weight in admissions decisions.

• How does RLT support personal growth during training?

Personal growth is supported through practicums, office hours, and mentoring as well as with the very indepth course "The Art Of Relational Living" which focuses equally as much on the individual as the RLT skills being taught.

Because RLT emphasises relational practice, doing one’s own work is considered essential.