Notes that relational-cultural theory offers an alternative to traditional theories of psychological development. Whereas traditional theories view mature functioning as characterized by movement from dependence to independence, relational-cultural theory suggests that maturity involves growth toward connection and relationship throughout the life span. After contrasting these two theoretical perspectives, the author describes a therapeutic approach based on the relational-cultural model, which involves mutual empathy and working with shame. A case example of a 36-yr-old female who suffered abuse at the hands of her brother when she was a child, illustrates this approach. The author suggests that the relational-cultural model has applications at both the personal and societal levels.