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 16th - 18th 2026
Wellesley College, MA
A 50th Anniversary Celebration
This milestone gathering marks a timely and transformative moment. It is 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 including 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.
Early Bird Registration: $349 ends 08.01.26
Standard Registration: $399
Scholarships Available: Email Dr. Amy Banks for more information
Your Event Hosts: International Center for Growth in Connection and Brain Based EMDR Training
Co-sponsor: Wellesley Centers for Women
What Are Our Objectives
Discover how Jean Baker Miller’s foundational work has been applied across cultures over the past 50 years
Explore how to engage the power of relational healing in the face of social injustice
Identify, experience and learn how to implement interventions and modalities that bring to life the relational neuroscience of Relational Cultural Theory.
Experience the transformative power of connection and The Five Good Things in inspiring and amplifying the future of Relational Cultural Theory.
A Once-in-a-Generation Gathering
What Makes This Conference Unique
Hear from the founding voices and leading scholars who shaped Relational-Cultural Theory over the past 50 years.
Explore the intersection of relational neuroscience and RCT — understanding how our brains are wired for growth-fostering relationships.
Discover how RCT principles are applied across clinical practice, education, leadership, and community settings worldwide.
Engage in hands-on workshops, panel discussions, and experiential exercises designed to bring RCT to life.
Join practitioners committed to envisioning the next 50 years of Relational-Cultural Theory and its impact on the field.
Build meaningful professional relationships with fellow clinicians, educators, and scholars who share your passion for relational healing.
Is This Conference For You?
Who Should Attend
This conference is designed for anyone who believes in the transformative power of human connection and relational healing.
- Mental health professionals
- Counselors, social workers & marriage and family therapists
- Educators & graduate students
- Coaches & Consultants
- Community practitioners & advocates
- Anyone passionate about relational healing and RCT
"Libby Marlatt-Murdoch, domain_disabledExternal user not managed by admin, Now "The movement toward mutuality is the movement toward growth."
— Jean Baker Miller
October 16 – 18, 2026 · Wellesley College, MA
Conference Schedule At A Glance
*Schedule is tentative and subject to change
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.
Early Bird Registration: $349 ends 08.01.26
Standard Registration: $399
Scholarships Available: Email Dr. Amy Banks for more information
Keeping Jean Baker Miller's Legacy Alive
With Our Founding Scholars
Judy Jordan, Ph.D.
Founding Scholar
October 16 – 18, 2026 · Wellesley College, MA
Meet Your Speakers & Panelists
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Libby Murdoch
Founder of Brain Based EMDR
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Dr. Connie Gunderson
The College of St. Scholastica
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Mary Hernandez
Psychotherapist and Sustainability Consultant
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Jayme Banks
Founder of Infinity Designs Inc.
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Dr. Amy Banks
Board Certified in Psychiatry
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Dr. Ileya Grosman
Artist-scholar-practitioner
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Mary Vicario
Founder of Finding Hope Consulting, LLC
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Dr. Veronica Barios
Associate Professor of Psychology and Human Dev. at Empire State University
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Meechie Poston
Social work researcher
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Nichole McCoy
Research Consultant and PhD student in Human Development
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Dr. Harriet Schwartz
Professor of Relational Practice and Higher Education, Antioch University
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Vicky Basra
President and CEO of the Deloris Barr Weaver Policy Center
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Stephanie Burke (Co-Presenter)
Certified school social worker, VP of Model Programming and Partnerships
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Dr. Maureen Walker
Licensed Psychologist
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Christina Robb
Author of “This Changes Everything” and Pulitzer Prize Winner
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Janet Surrey, PhD
Founding scholar of the Jean Baker Miller Training Institute
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Joyce Fletcher
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Myriam Barenbaum
RCT therapist and Jean Baker Miller's daughter-in-law
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Roseann Adams
Served the RCT Certificate Program offered through The College of St. Scholastica
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Dr. Alicia Wargo
Founding member of “Both and Collective”
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Amy Makice
Co-founder of the Bloomington Center for Connection
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Kevin Makice
Co-founder of the Bloomington Center for Connection
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Nate Smith, PhD
Author of “Queering Connection” and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University Houston
Continuing Education Credits
Earn CE credits while celebrating 50 years of Relational-Cultural Theory
Participants who attend the full three-day conference will receive continuing education credit hours. Certificates are issued on-site at the conclusion of the conference.
Full Attendance Required
Participants must attend the entire conference. No partial credit will be awarded for partial attendance.
Submit Your Evaluation
All required administrative documents including participant evaluations must be completed before certificates are issued.
Certificate Issued On-Site
CE certificates with full credit hour information will be issued at the conclusion of the conference.
Approved Provider
Brain Based EMDR Training is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider and is approved by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage & Family Therapist Board.
Your Questions, Answered
October 16–18, 2026 at Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts.
Registration includes conference attendance for all three days, catered lunch each day, conference materials, commemorative swag, and access to all keynotes, workshops, Plenarys, panels, and the poster session.
Early bird pricing of $349 is available through August 1, 2026 — that's a $50 savings off the standard rate of $399.
We recommend registering early to lock in your spot at the discounted price. Scholarships are also available — please reach out to our team before registering if you need assistance.
Yes! Participants will receive 15 continuing education credit hours upon completion of the full 3-day conference. Attendance for the entire conference is required — no partial credit will be awarded.
CE certificates will be issued at the conclusion of the conference after the participant has attended in full and submitted all required administrative documents, including evaluations.
Brain Based EMDR Training is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider and is approved by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage & Family Therapist Board.
A block of hotel rooms is available nearby with discount at The Verve Hotel. There are 3 easy ways to make reservations now into your group block:
1. Using the custom complimentary booking link : https://group.tapestrycollection.com/7snusp
2. Hilton Honors Members may use the Hilton Honors App and input the group code " 91B "
3. Guests may call 1-800-Hiltons and reference the group code " 91B " or call our front desk directly, 508-653-8800
If you need to arrivve early or check out late please contact: 508-416-1359.
We do ask that you book as soon as possible as it is a busy season and we want to make sure everyone is squared away.
Yes, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible experience for all attendees. If you require accommodations related to accessibility, mobility, sensory needs, dietary restrictions, or other support services, please contact our team in advance so we can best support your participation.
If you have any questions please contact brainbasedemdr.com
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.
If you have any questions please contact brainbasedemdr.com
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
Early Bird Registration: $349 ends 08.01.26
Standard Registration: $399
Scholarships Available: Email Dr. Amy Banks for more information