What is Praxis

Praxis means doing. At its core, "praxis" refers to the act of engaging, applying, exercising, realizing, or practicing ideas.

 

In adult education, Praxis refers to the application of theory to practical situations in the learning. In Relational Praxis, this refers to applying skills that are taught.

 

In educational contexts, praxis is often visually represented as a circle or cycle showing the interplay between theory and practice. For instance, one might see a diagram with arrows showing the progression from "theory" to "action" to "reflection"  to "action" and back to "theory".

 

In terms of Relational Life Therapy (RLT), this follows the steps of identifying a problem (theory) to solution (action) assessing (Reflecting), applying skills (action) and back to theory (where the skills effective) and the cycle starts over again. This is an ongoing process – constantly engaged in the doing, reflecting – and in adult education the aim is transformative change.

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Relational Praxis: Relational Education for Relational Success

RLT has three phases that embody praxis. To simplify, phase 1) identify the pattern you’re stuck in; phase 2)  uncovering the root of the problem, and phase 3) teach relational skills and coach you through the process of using them for long lasting relational success.

 

Phase 2 and 3 are part of what makes RLT unique. As Terry Real, founder of RLT and my mentor, words it:

 

"Other therapies teach you skills. RLT deals with the part of you that won't use them."

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