Psychotherapy with the Relational Intelligence (RI®) model

is a humanistic and holistic approach to psychotherapy that uses therapeutic tools strongly based on scientific principles. It can resemble EMDR or CBT in certain aspects. It differs from ‘traditional’ psychology and clearly distances itself from psychoanalysis.

Learn more…
Corégulation



Created by François Le Doze, neurologist at the CHU in Caen, the Relational Intelligence (IR®) model is inspired by, strengthens, and enriches other modern models (Polyvagal Theory (TPV) (1), IFS® (Internal Family System) (2,4), Attachment Theory (3)), which have led to serious, recognized, and peer reviewed scientific publications.

RI® is based on recent discoveries in neuroscience, particularly the understanding of the neurobiological regulation of the autonomic nervous system.
Like EMDR, the model takes into account the brain’s neuroplasticity in the therapeutic process, i.e the brain’s ability to recover and restructure itself. This is a source of hope for everyone as a patient, isn’t it?

Autorégulation intelligence relationnelle
Self-regulation (Picture from STF)

RI® flexibly and appropriately utilizes co-regulation (intersubjectivity, making the implicit explicit, creating a relational space with both verbal and bodily dimensions) and self-regulation (working with the parts and the Self).

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Co-régulation (Picture from STF)
To learn more…
Refer to the presentation of the model’s foundations by Dr. F. Le Doze.

Relational Intelligence® psychotherapy does not offer techniques to « live with » a problem. It enables a deep transformation of the self (through our brain’s neuroplasticity) in order to « live freed » from it and thrive.

Image de François Le Doze

— Dr François Le Doze, creator of Relational Intelligence model RI®, Neurologist, Psychotherapist, Former certified trainer IFS, Founder & director of Self Thérapie Formation®

« The goal of a psychotherapy in Relational Intelligence® is to help individuals or human groups resolve internal or external conflicts and, while keeping connection with others, achieve a sense of inner unity and calm, a clearer vision of their life path, more resources in terms of creativity when facing obstacles, and greater confidence in facing the challenges life presents.»

This method not only addresses complex psychological traumas but also the attachment disorders that are often associated with and pre-existing to them. This is how it goes beyond EMDR or CBT, which have shown their effectiveness for issues related to a specific event or behaviors.

It is a medium-term support that takes into account the emotional, physical, and psychological dimensions of the person, at the end of which the patient (re)gains autonomy in relation to their issue. It is therefore truly a holistic psycho-corporal therapy.

In the relational safety that we establish and reinforce at each session, we explore together the questions, sufferings, traumas, or conflicts (internal or external) that arise and may hinder the patient.

Through the unique RI® protocol and its tools inspired by IFS® and TPV, I guide the patient to find meaning and a way forward by rebalancing their nervous system. This will strengthen their inner trust and security, thereby enabling them to fully reclaim their abilities.

A regained peace and harmony will be the keys to their development and flourishing.

The session is structured as follows:
1. Welcome
2. Setup
3. Establishment of the session contract (therapeutic focus)
4. Progression
5. Closure

The actual progression is tailored to each individual, following a well-defined protocol (not a strategy or technique). My role as a therapist is to perform therapeutic actions—such as asking questions or initiating movements from either you or me—after a diagnostic phase. This creates a relational space with both verbal and/or bodily dimensions.

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  • A session is not a monologue, unlike in other practices (notably some psychoanalytic approaches). On the contrary, we engage in an exchange. I may step in, speak, and ask questions. I use certain key questions as guides to help me determine the best approaches to assist you with the chosen issue. Sometimes, I may even share my own experiences—not so much to give advice or offer an opinion, but rather to provide a different perspective that may open up new possibilities for reactions and/or reflections, which will also be welcomed. The psychotherapist is therefore neither neutral, nor silent, nor static.
  • There is no fixed position required during the session. In some psychoanalysts’ or psychologists’ offices, lying down, sitting, or facing each other is almost mandatory. That’s not the case here. We will adapt—according to the flow throughout the session, as the body and psyche are intimately intertwined.
  • While there is a clinical protocol suggested by the RI model, there are no strategies, no predefined program. The focus is on the issue brought forward and, most importantly, on its effect (i.e., the reactions associated with it). I listen closely and respond sensitively to these.
  • In certain well-defined circumstances, the protocol involves movements from the patient or myself. This is a major difference compared to sessions with a ‘traditional’ psychologist or a psychoanalyst. This use of movement is justified by the pillars of the model (PVT, attachment principles—see the corresponding section) and is explained during the session. However, this is NOT a therapy based on physical manipulation and does not assume contact. Never will this be forced to the detriment of relational safety.
  • The patient’s reactions are not sought after but welcomed as they manifest. They can be mental (thoughts, reflections, memories) or physical (sensations, movements, etc.). It is these reactions that are at the heart of the neurobiological associative process, which ensures the resolution of the issue and is facilitated through the safety of the therapeutic relationship.
  • The patient is invited to choose a topic from all the ones s.he would like to address in a session. This is the establishment of the session contract. I can assist her/him in this process. Often, we notice that all these topics share a common factor. This is not surprising because we are one. Choosing a contract helps to « focus » the therapeutic act and creates the conditions for healing (as opposed to « wild » therapy).