Advancing the Science of Relational Health
Relational Life Foundation is committed to rigorous, measurable research that validates Relational Life Therapy (RLT) and advances relational health as an evidence-based public good.
Why Research Matters
Relational health shapes family stability, mental health outcomes, and community wellbeing. Yet many relational interventions lack the rigorous outcome data required for evidence-based designation.
Our research initiatives aim to:
- Measure outcomes in communication, accountability, and conflict repair
- Identify what works, for whom, and under what conditions
- Expand access to evidence based relational interventions
- Establish relational health as essential to long term family resilience and community stability
What Evidence-Based Status Means
To be recognized as an evidence-based treatment, a model must demonstrate measurable improvement in targeted behaviors and show that those improvements are directly attributable to the intervention.
For Relational Life Therapy, this means conducting multiple therapy outcome studies that demonstrate significant improvement in relationship functioning, conflict repair, and accountability.
Achieving this designation creates structural leverage for:
- Inclusion in university and clinical training programs
- Eligibility for public and private research funding
- Greater dissemination across diverse populations
- Increased funding pathways that support expanded sliding scale access for under resourced communities
Our research team collects and analyzes data from practitioners and participants using validated survey instruments, structured interviews, and outcome measures aligned with American Psychological Association guidelines.
All studies are reviewed by an independent Institutional Review Board to ensure ethical rigor and participant protection. Our methodology prioritizes measurable behavioral change, cultural responsiveness, and real world applicability.
We examine:
- Behavioral change over time
- Improvements in relational accountability
- Conflict de-escalation and repair patterns over time
- Cross cultural adaptability of the model
Current Research Projects
RLT Outcomes Study
Measuring improvements in relational functioning and accountability across the course of therapy to establish empirical validation.
Our Research Team
Our research is led by experienced clinicians and scholars committed to methodological rigor, equity, and real world applicability. Our team brings expertise in clinical psychology, social work, public health, and advanced statistical analysis.
Dr. Jae Sevelius
Dr. Sabrina R. Cluesman
Samantha Serrano
Dr. Talea Cornelius
Dr. Jae Sevelius
Senior Research Specialist
Dr. Sabrina R. Cluesman
Samantha Serrano
Dr. Talea Cornelius
Relational health deserves scientific validation, public investment, and national recognition.
Support our research initiatives and help establish relational health as a measurable foundation for family stability and community wellbeing.