Understanding Relational Cycles
Explains how relational patterns develop and repeat, and how parents can support change without reinforcing unhelpful dynamics.
CAT understands difficulties as patterns that develop in relationships. This guide helps parents understand these relational cycles.
Reciprocal roles
In CAT, we think about relationships as having two positions that go together. For example: • Controlling → Controlled • Neglecting → Neglected • Critical → Criticised Your child has learned certain patterns from their experiences. Understanding these can help you respond differently.
Breaking cycles
Sometimes family dynamics can accidentally reinforce unhelpful patterns. For example, if your child expects rejection, they might behave in ways that provoke it, which then confirms their belief. Understanding this can help you respond in ways that offer a different experience.
How to help
- Notice when patterns are playing out
- Try to respond differently than the pattern "expects"
- Talk about patterns rather than acting them out
- Ask your child's therapist for guidance