Toward a New Psychology of Women: 50 Years of Connection, Courage, and Change
Join us for a historic three-day gathering at Wellesley College as we honor Jean Baker Miller's legacy and envision the future of relational healing.
October 16-18, 2026
Wellesley College, Massachusetts
A 50th Anniversary Celebration
This milestone gathering marks a timely and transformative moment—an opportunity to reflect on five decades of Relational Cultural Theory while rising to meet the urgent need for connection in today’s world. Join RCT scholars, visionaries, and practitioners—both those who laid the foundation and those expanding the work across cultures—for a powerful celebration of legacy and future. Through shared space, dynamic conversations, and experiential learning, we will deepen our understanding of what it means to grow through relationship. Together, we expand our collective capacity to contribute to the greater good and carry forward Jean Baker Miller’s vision in a world that is calling for connection, courage, and change.
Your Event Hosts: International Center for Growth in Connection and Brain Based EMDR Training
What Are Our Objectives
Participants will be able to describe resilience and identify the connection between resilience and growth-fostering relationships. (Top 5 Resilience Factors & Protective Factors)
Participants will be able to identify the impact of environments, relationships, and experiences, including connection and disconnection, on learning and the development of wellness and illness.
Participants will examine the impact of growth-fostering relationships on resilience and be able to explain how mutuality, relational safety, and connection support individual wellbeing and regulation (CARE acronym).
Participants will learn and be able to apply 2 simple, relationally oriented interventions for enhancing and protecting their resilience and the resilience of those they serve. (Positive Relational Resource & Outer World Resource)
What Makes This Conference Unique?
✓ Learn directly from RCT pioneers
Engage with the founding voices who developed Relational-Cultural Theory over five decades
✓ Explore neuroscience meets connection
Discover how brain science validates and expands our understanding of relational healing
✓ Shape the future together
Contribute your voice to discussions about RCT's role in addressing contemporary disconnection
✓ Connect with like-minded practitioners
Build relationships with colleagues who share your commitment to relational healing and social justice
✓ Experience diverse applications
See RCT in action across clinical, educational, organizational, and community settings
✓ Participate in experiential learning
Move beyond theory with hands-on workshops and connection exercises
Who Is This Conference For?
This transformative gathering is designed for:
• Mental health professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of relational approaches to healing
• Therapists and clinicians interested in integrating RCT principles into their practice
• Educators and school counselors working to create more connected learning environments
• Organizational development professionals bringing relational practices to workplace culture
• Community practitioners and activists committed to social justice and collective healing
• Graduate students in psychology, social work, counseling, and related fields
• Anyone passionate about the power of connection to transform lives and communities
October 16 – 18, 2026 · Wellesley College, MA
Conference Schedule At A Glance
What Your Ticket Gets You
🎤 Keynotes & Workshops
Inspiring keynote sessions and interactive workshops with leading RCT clinicians and presenters.
🧠 CE Credits Included
Earn continuing education credits while deepening your understanding of relational healing and resilience.
💬 Connection & Community
Build meaningful relationships within a supportive, growth-fostering relational community.
🎉 50th Anniversary Celebration
Celebrate 50 years of Relational-Cultural Theory and the impact of connection-centered work.
🗣️ Panels & Poster Sessions
Engage in dynamic panel discussions and explore innovative poster presentations from peers and professionals.
🌱 Relational Healing & Resilience
Explore practical, connection-centered approaches that support resilience, wellbeing, and relational growth.
🎁 Curated Gifts & Commemorative Swag
Receive a thoughtfully curated conference gift bag and commemorative event swag.
🥗 Catered Lunch & Refreshments
Enjoy catered lunch and refreshments throughout the conference experience.
Meet Your Speakers!
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Amy Banks
Board Certified in Psychiatry
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Connie Gunderson
The College of St. Scholastica
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Jayme Banks
Founder of Infinity Designs Inc.
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Libby Murdoch
Founder of Brain Based EMDR
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Mary Hernandez
Psychotherapist and Sustainability Consultant
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Dr. Veronica Barios
Description goes here -
Harriet and Team
Professor of Relational Practice and Higher Education, Antioch University
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Ileya Grosman
Description goes here -
Mary Vicario
Founder of Finding Hope Consulting, LLC
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Meechie Poston
Description goes here -
Nicole McCoy
Description goes here -
Maureen Walker
Licensed Psychologist
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Vicky Basra and Team
Description goes here
October 16–18, 2026 at Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts
Mental health professionals, educators, organizational consultants, community practitioners, graduate students, and anyone interested in relational healing and RCT.
Three days of panels, 90-minute workshops, experiential exercises, and group discussions. The conference combines presentations from RCT pioneers with hands-on learning opportunities.
Participants will receive [TBD] continuing education credit hours upon completion of the 3 day conference. Participants are required to attend the training in its entirety in order to receive continuing education credit hours. No partial credit will not be awarded.
CE certificates, including continuing education credit hour information, will be issued at the conclusion of the conference after the participant has attended the full training and submitted all administrative documents, including their evaluations.
Brain Based EMDR Training... [awaiting libby info]
Brain Based EMDR Training is an approved Continuing Education Provider with the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage & Family Therapist Board.
Your Questions, Answered
Conference attendance for all three days, lunch each day, conference materials, and access to all workshops and panels.
Yes, We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible experience for all attendes. If you required accommodations elated to accessibility, mobility, sensory needs, dietary restrictions, or other support services, please contact our team in advance so we can best support your participation
Registration cancellations received at least 30 days prior to the conference start date are eligible for a refund minus any processing or transaction fees incurred at the time of purchase. Due to event planning, catering, materials, and commemorative item preparation, refunds will not be issued within 30 days of the event. All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to the conference team.
[TO BE DETERMINED - Recommend full 3-day experience]
Be Part of RCT's Next Chapter
Join us in celebrating 50 years of Relational-Cultural Theory and help shape its future. This historic gathering offers a unique opportunity to learn from pioneers, connect with colleagues, and deepen your practice. Don't miss this transformative three-day experience.
Dates: October 16-18, 2026
Location: Wellesley College, Massachusetts
