You're invited · In person · Three days

Join us at the RLT Conference 2027 in Boston, Massachusetts.

You’ll learn from Terry Real and colleagues from around the world, with three days of teaching and real connection with the RLT community.
LOCATION   Boston, Massachusetts, USA
DATES       Friday, September 24 – Sunday, September 26, 2027
Get your early-bird ticket
See your weekend
Early-bird tickets are available until December 31, 2026. We’ll announce more speakers over the coming months.

What is the RLT Conference?

You spend your working week helping other people reconnect. But so many of the decisions you make along the way, you make alone. And so much of your professional development happens on a laptop: an online training, then a CE quiz you take on your own.

That’s why, once a year, the RLT community comes together in person to learn, network, and connect with people who practice relationally, teach it, and live it. It’s built on the idea at the heart of RLT: we grow in connection. For one weekend, you learn alongside colleagues and grow as a professional and as a person.

The weekend is built around three parts:

Keynotes

Learn from Terry Real and leading voices

Keynotes from Terry Real and outstanding guest speakers whose work is shaping therapy today, with the whole community together.

Workshops

Go deeper on the topics you choose

Pick from a wide range of experiential workshops on specialist topics to deepen your understanding in the areas that interest you.

Socials

Connect with your RLT colleagues

Networking, social evenings, and shared lunches – time to build new professional relationships and strengthen existing ones with colleagues from around the world.

Tentative schedule · subject to change

Your weekend at a glance

Here’s roughly how the weekend will run, based on last year’s conference. We’ll share the final schedule once the program is confirmed.

KeynotesWorkshops (you choose)Meals, coffee & networking

Friday · Sept 24

Open

From 8 am
Registration and coffee
About 9 am
Welcome and Terry’s opening keynote
Workshops
Lunch together (included)
Workshops
Keynote
Coffee breaks and time to network
About 5 pm
Day ends

Saturday · Sept 25

Go deeper

From 8 am
Coffee and networking
About 9 am
Keynote
Workshops
Lunch together (included)
Keynote
Coffee breaks and time to network
About 5 pm
Day ends

Sunday · Sept 26

Close

From 8 am
Coffee and networking
About 9 am
Keynote
Workshops
Closing session with Terry
About 2:30 pm
Conference ends – time to travel home

This schedule is tentative and will change. We’ll share the full program closer to the date.

Who you'll learn from

You’ll learn from Terry Real, alongside three to five guest keynote speakers whose work is shaping the world of therapy and how we understand relationships. We’ll announce them over the coming months.

Terry Real, LICSW

Creator of Relational Life Therapy

Internationally recognized family therapist and New York Times bestselling author of Us: Getting Past You and Me to Build a More Loving Relationship. Terry created RLT to give people the relational skills they need to connect – to themselves and to each other.

Your host

Desirae Ysasi, LPC-S

RLI’s Director of Training & Certification, hosting the weekend.

Coming soon

Three to five guest keynote speakers to be announced

Watch this space.

Past keynote speakers include

Carol Gilligan

Keynote · Orlando 2025

Love As Resistance: Intimacy Against the Grain

Jim Gilligan

Keynote · Montreal 2026

The Prevention of the Prevention of Violence

Dr. Kenneth V. Hardy

Keynote · Montreal 2026

Of Walls and Wars: Relational Pathway to Bridging Differences

Frank Anderson, MD

Keynote · Montreal 2026

The Hidden Wounds in Love: How Relational Trauma Shapes Adult Intimacy

Martha Kauppi, LMFT

Keynote · Montreal 2026

Widening the Clinical Lens: Seeing More of What Drives – and Kills – Desire

Deran Young

Keynote · Orlando 2025

When Individualism & Intensity Replaces Intimacy

Four workshop slots · about two hours each

Experiential Workshops

Take a deeper exploration of the topics that matter most to your practice.

Each workshop runs for about two hours, led by presenters who explore how RLT applies to a specific client group or issue.

In each of the four workshop slots, several workshops run side by side, so you choose the one that fits your practice and interests.

And the good news: after the conference, you’ll have access to the workshop recordings RLI successfully captures and makes available, including available recordings of workshops you didn’t attend.

1

Choose

Before the conference, you’ll choose one workshop for each slot. Early-bird ticket holders choose first.

2

Attend

Work in a smaller group, with real time to practice and ask questions.

3

Catch up

Afterwards, you’ll receive the workshop recordings RLI successfully captures and makes available, including available recordings of workshops you didn’t attend.

Past workshops include

Dr. Kenneth V. Hardy

Workshop · Montreal 2026

Communities of Color Under Siege: Tactics for Treating Racial Trauma

Jane Bliss Birk

Workshop · Montreal 2026

Relational Life Leadership: Translating RLT Into the World of Work

Dolma Beresford

Workshop · Montreal 2026

Spontaneous, Responsive, Relational: Working Effectively With Desire Discrepancy in Couples

Anna Sterk

Workshop · Montreal 2026

Living the Relational Grid: Application Across RLT Phases

Damian White

Workshop · Montreal 2026

Is Terry Real? Existential Dimensions of RLT

Zach Brittle

Workshop · Montreal 2026

Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes: Relational Recovery in Principle & Practice

Shelly Macdonald

Workshop · Montreal 2026

Relational Parenting: Changing the Thumbprint Before the Ink Is Dry

Ya'Ron & Stacee Brown

Workshop · Montreal 2026

When the Therapist Is the Third

Kate Harris

Workshop · Montreal 2026

Walking the Talk: An Experiential Workshop on Cultivating Detachment

Caron Starobin

Workshop · Orlando 2025

No Ordinary Love: Neurodiversity, Intimacy, and Relational Life Therapy

Dr. Priscilla Short

Workshop · Orlando 2025

Three Months of Couple Therapy in Three Days: Using RLT To Work Intensively With Couples

Julie Rudiger

Workshop · Orlando 2025

The Role of Grief in Love: Exploring Relationship Reckoning

Would you like to lead a workshop in Boston? Presenter applications open in the coming months – we’ll email the details.

You won't be on your own for long

Whether you’re coming with colleagues or flying in solo, you’ll find your people quickly. Time to network and socialize is built into the weekend, so by the second day you’re greeting faces you know.

Outside the program, you might explore Boston or share a meal with people you’ve just met.

Before you arrive, we’ll invite you to an attendee WhatsApp group, so you can start saying hello.

What attendees say about the RLT Conference

You’ll hear the same things again and again from therapists and coaches in the RLT community, many of whom joined us in Orlando in 2025 and Montreal in 2026.

“You’ll come home a better therapist.”

Monica Burford, LMFT

Therapist, Sacramento
“Terry has really created a community that feels relational rather than hierarchical.”

Emily Miller

Montreal 2026
“It’s community. You feel amazing being with so many people that are all talking RLT.”

Nancy Pickard

RLT conference attendee
“I arrived not knowing anyone – that didn’t matter at all because there was such generosity and warmth from all the other attendees… Truly the most enriching professional conference I’ve ever been to.”

Nancy Hess

Professional counselor · Orlando 2025
“I’ve attended many conferences in my 30 years as a professional but none that lit up my heart and mind like this one!”

Lisa Ivany

Montreal 2026
“This is my second time attending the RLT conference, and it will not be my last time. I found my people here.”

Janet Hamilton

Founder, The Anomaly Factor
“It’s already changing how I work. I love the gentle, forthright approach of this modality. As a therapist, I believe RLT lessened the anxiety and transference I used to feel in couples sessions.”

Karen Ellis Croley

RLT Level 1 (July 2026)
“It was full of content to think about, but rooted in the heart, which is the work that we do.”

Natalie Zur Nedden

RLT coach
“I came expecting couples therapy work and I felt connected to something much greater. Much more meaningful. And much more important.”

Ida Hallidri

Montreal 2026
“The immersive effect of being with so many people who live, breathe and walk the RLT philosophy was nothing short of magical.”

Anne Sidebottom

First RLT conference · Montreal 2026
“…I walked away with so many practical strategies and tools that I could actually implement in my practice the following week.”

Eva Norris

RLT conference attendee
“RLT practitioners as a whole are lovely, warm and inviting humans… I am eagerly looking forward to the next RLT conference in Boston!”

Megan Secrest

Montreal 2026
“I now have the confidence to help them through that in a very skillful, confident way.”

Monica Tanner

Relationship Coach · RLT Practitioner

Location

Our location: Boston, Massachusetts

LOCATION
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
VENUE
Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge, 575 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139
AIRPORT
Boston Logan International (BOS)

You’ll spend the whole conference at the Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge.

There’s a room block at the Hyatt. You book and pay for your own room, and we’ll email you the booking link before the end of 2026. You’re also welcome to stay nearby.

Hotel photo – to add

Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge: exterior from the river side, or the ballroom.

Boston photo – to add

Skyline across the Charles.

Your ticket

You can register now at the early-bird price until December 31, 2026.

Early bird · until December 31, 2026

$595

From January 1, 2027, the price is $795. Single payment.
  • The full three-day conference, Friday to Sunday, in Boston
  • Keynotes from Terry Real and guest speakers
  • Four experiential workshop slots, with several workshops to choose from in each – early-bird ticket holders choose first
  • Networking and social time with the RLT community
  • Lunch on Friday and Saturday, plus coffee breaks
  • Up to 16 CE hours
  • Lifetime access to the Conference recordings RLI successfully captures and makes available
Get your early-bird ticket

Alumni members

Alumni members can get the early-bird price right up until the conference.

Refunds

We know plans can change. You’ll receive a full refund if you cancel by email to support@terryreal.com by Wednesday, August 25, 2027.
“I have attended trainings for the past 20 years and this was by far my favorite conference yet!”

Carmen Walker

Montreal 2026

Up to 16 CE hours

Up to 16 NBCC CE hours over 3 days. This number may change slightly once all speakers are confirmed.

Relational Life Institute (RLI) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7495. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Relational Life Institute (RLI) is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

ACEP No. 7495

View full CE details

Your questions, answered

Who is the conference for?

The RLT Conference is for therapists and coaches who practice RLT or want to learn more about it. Whether you’ve been part of the community for years or you’re coming for the first time, you’re welcome.

Yes. Newcomers are welcome, and the conference is a good way to meet the community and see RLT in practice.

“As someone who is new to RLT and considering studying it, it was really lovely and inspiring to be around so much positivity. I felt very warmly welcomed…”
Myroslava Tyzkyj · New to RLT · Montreal 2026

Terry Real is confirmed, and we’ll announce three to five guest keynote speakers and the workshop leaders over the coming months. Desirae Ysasi, RLI’s Director of Training & Certification, is your host for the weekend.

Yes. Terry will be teaching at the conference.

There are four workshop slots across the weekend, with several workshops running side by side in each. Before the conference, you choose one per slot, and early-bird ticket holders choose first. Afterwards, you’ll receive the workshop recordings RLI successfully captures and makes available.

The early-bird price is $595 until December 31, 2026. From January 1, 2027, the price is $795. It’s a single payment. 

Alumni members can get the early-bird price right up until the conference.

RLI intends to record the Conference presentations and workshops. Your ticket includes lifetime access to the recordings RLI successfully captures and makes available. Lifetime access means for as long as RLI continues to own, operate, host and support that version through an RLI learning platform. No particular presentation, workshop or session is guaranteed.

Up to 16 NBCC CE hours over 3 days. This number may change slightly once all speakers are confirmed.

To receive the continuing education hours, participants must complete the following requirements:

  1. Attend the full three-day course. There is no partial credit; attendance will be taken.
  2. Complete Evaluations for each workshop and keynote speaker.
  3. Certificates will be emailed to those who qualify within 30 days after the course completes.

Relational Life Institute (RLI) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7495. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Relational Life Institute (RLI) is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

View full CE details

The Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge is at 575 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139. The closest airport is Boston Logan International (BOS). Participants make their own travel arrangements.

Yes – we will reserve rooms at the Hyatt and email you the booking link before the end of 2026. You book and pay for your own room. You are also welcome to stay at other accommodation nearby.

Lunch is included on Friday and Saturday, plus coffee breaks during the conference.

Networking and social time are part of the weekend. We’ll share the full program, including any evening plans, closer to the date.

Presenter applications will open in the coming months, and we’ll email the details. 

You’ll receive a full refund for cancellations sent by email to support@terryreal.com by Wednesday, August 25, 2027.

Email us at support@terryreal.com and we’ll be glad to help.

We'll see you in Boston.

Join us in Boston in September 2027 to learn, grow and connect with colleagues who share your passion for a deeper, more connected world. We’d love to have you with us again – or for the very first time.
Get your early-bird ticket

The Relational Life Institute is pleased to offer:

The RLT Annual Conference 2027

Continuing Education Documentation

Live in Person · September 24-26, 2027 · Hyatt Regency, 575 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139
Up to 16 NBCC CE hours over 3 days. This number may change slightly once all speakers are confirmed.
In this photo a seal logo with two crossed rings, with the writing "approved continuing education provider nbcc seal"

ACEP No. 7495

Relational Life Institute (RLI) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7495. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Relational Life Institute (RLI) is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Intended Audience

Social Workers, MFTs, Counselors, Substance Abuse Counselors, Nurses, LMHCs, LMFTs, Educators, Coaches, and Chemical Dependency Counselors. Content is presented at an intermediate level.

Content Level

Intermediate

Format:

Live In-Person Training

Location: Hyatt Regency, 575 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139

Dates & Hours: September 24-26, 2027

Program Description

The Relational Life Institute is holding its third annual conference event in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. This conference is open to all practitioners, and is a 3 day, live, in-person experience. RLI’s Founder, Terry Real, LICSW, will lead the event with keynote address(s); along with RLI esteemed Faculty members and several guest speakers. In addition to daily Keynote Addresses, workshops are thoughtfully designed to integrate Relational Life Therapy (RLT) into various themes, enriching both your professional and personal relationships. Join us to connect with like-minded therapists and practitioners, expand your knowledge, and elevate your practice through this transformative experience.

Instructional Methods

  • Live Presentations
  • Group Discussions
  • Video Demonstrations
  • Live Group Interactions
  • Slide Presentations
  • Question & Answer Periods

Learning Objectives

Upon completion, participants will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate speaking up with love and responding non-defensively
  2. Analyze the impact of one’s inner child work on one’s life
  3. Describe how RLT is different from other forms of couples therapy
  4. Demonstrate containing and protecting boundaries
  5. Respond constructively to inappropriate questions and comments
  6. Specify how one can hold themselves in warm regard even when they mess up
  7. Apply skills to move beyond the victim/perpetrator framework into one that builds hope
  8. List what ultimately helps hurt partners regain trust
  9. Distinguish what Relational Life Therapy is and is not
  10. Utilize the practice of Relational Mindfulness

Registration requirements / how to enroll

relationallife.com/rlt-conference-2027/

Total Continuing Education Hours: Up to 16 NBCC CE hours over 3 days

How CE certificates are issued:

To receive the continuing education hours, participants must complete the following requirements:
  1. Attend the full three-day course. There is no partial credit; attendance will be taken.
  2. Complete Evaluations for each workshop and keynote speaker.
  3. Certificates will be emailed to those who qualify within 30 days after the course completes.

Clock-hour calculation: NBCC counts one clock hour as 60 minutes of qualifying instructional content. Time for breaks, registration, and non-instructional activity is excluded from this count.

Program fee

Early bird until December 31, 2026

$595

From January 1, 2027

$795

Conflict of Interest

There is no known conflict of interest or commercial support for this event.

Accommodations

If you need special accommodations or have questions, please contact us at support@terryreal.com

Refund / cancellation policy

Refunds are available until 30 days before the event start date (August 25, 2027). Contact support@terryreal.com for a refund.

Presenter Qualifications

Terry Real, LICSW

Terry Real is the bestselling author of I Don’t Want to Talk About It: Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression, the straight-talking How Can I Get Through to You? Reconnecting Men and Women, The New Rules of Marriage: What You Need to Make Love Work and most recently Us: Getting Past You & Me to Build a More Loving Relationship just debuted in June 2022. Terry founded the Relational Life Institute, offering workshops for couples, individuals, and parents as well as a professional training program for clinicians. Terry’s work, with its rigorous commonsense approach, speaks to both men and women. A proponent of “full-throttle marriage,” Terry has been called “the most innovative voice in thinking about and treating men and their relationships in the world today.”

Desirae Ysasi, LPC-S is a Licensed Professional Counselor – Supervisor with nearly two decades of experience, specializing in relationship counseling. Serving the San Antonio community since 2006, she works exclusively with couples in romantic relationships, folks in non-traditional romantic relationship structures (ethical nonmonogamy), and adults seeking to improve family dynamics. Desirae became a Certified Relational Life Therapist in 2018 trained directly by Terry Real, the founder of Relational Life Therapy (RLT). She joined the faculty of the Relational Life Institute in 2022 and now serves as Director of Training & Certification, overseeing the global certification program. She has been the owner of Ysasi Counseling since 2014 and in the fall of 2024, Desirae opened Relational Life Texas, a virtual therapy group practice focused on RLT, providing relationship therapy across Texas.

Many More to come……

Grievance Procedure

If a student believes they have been discriminated against, they can submit a written complaint that includes their name, address, phone number, location, date, and a detailed description of the issue. If a student with a disability disagrees with the accommodation provided or has any other grievances, they can schedule a meeting to discuss and attempt to find a solution together. If the student is still not satisfied with the accommodation after further discussion, they can contact the Operations Director for the Relational Life Institute (RLI), Lisa Sullivan, via phone, email, or mail. If the grievance cannot be resolved, the complainant will be advised to contact the appropriate Ethics Committee or Licensing Board. The Operations Director will keep all grievances and their resolutions confidential in locked files.

A copy of this Grievance Procedure is available upon request.

Contact Information

ACEP Administrator & Operations Director for Relational Life Institute (RLI), Lisa Sullivan: 291 Nahanton Street, Newton, MA 02459; 617-861-3030; lisa@relationallife.com