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As we will explore in the developmental considerations of RCT later in this chapter, human relationships are the core of growth and healing, and oftentimes, the wellspring for many people’s deepest and profound pain. Relationships weave through many social strata. Counselors who embrace RCT see how relational connections and social contexts help people conceptualize the disempowering and growth-promoting relationships in their lives (Jordan, 2018; Jordan & Hartling, 2008; Miller, 1976, 1986). One focus of RCT is on exploring relationships and the inherent connections and disconnections that lead to suffering and growth (Miller, 1976, 1986). This focus is a stark departure from counseling theories that ascribe psychological distress to faults and deficiencies within a person that can be first diagnosed and then remedied through resolving intrapsychic faults or the adoption of rational thinking. By contrast, RCT explores connections and disconnections people have with others and how these connections engender growth or consign them to isolation (Jordan, 2018; Miller, 1976, 1986). Growth-promoting relationships lead to what Miller (1976, 1986) described as the “five good things” that occur when people experience growth-promoting relationships. In these experiences, people enjoy a sense of zest and vitality; worthiness; clarity about themselves, their relationships, and other people; a desire to expand their relationships with others; and an increased desire to act (Jordan & Hartling, 2008; Miller, 1976, 1986).

As we apply the five good things to multicultural and social justice counseling, we contend that a counselor who is aware of the power inherent in mental health practice as well as the social dominant power structures can operate from a place of humility and recognize the myriad ways to bring the five good things into direct practice and social advocacy efforts. When clients experience vitality, productivity, worth, and clarity and seek to grow their relationships as a result of counseling, we suggest that these experiences are hallmarks of effective multicultural counseling practice.