DEVELOPMENT
Relational Experiential Theory
Development
Relational-Experiential Theory (RET) was developed as an integration of several different fields within psychological science, including Attachment Theory, Psychotraumatology, and Positive Psychology. It evolved in the context of working in the Child Protection system and being trained to view cases through the combined lenses Attachment, Complex Trauma, and Developmental Psychology. This training pathway was combined with a personal interest in Positive Psychology, and models which explain the positive outcomes of relationships, experiences, and growth processes. These models include Post Traumatic Growth, Positivity Resonance, Flow State, Growth Mindset, Broaden and Build Theory, and Character Strengths. It was apparent to the author that key processes including relationships, experiences, embodiment, mental state, and personal growth, occurred on a continuum; and that the trauma and dysfunction end of the continuum was connected, at the other end of the spectrum, to growth-based processes. In this way, the integration of trauma-based models, relationship science, and positive psychology led to the development of Relational-Experiential Theory.
Romney Noonan
RET was developed by Romney Noonan, Clinical Psychologist. Romney is an accredited EMDR Consultant and Practitioner, an accredited Schema Therapist, a licensed Circle of Security Parent Educator, and a member of the International Positive Psychology Association. Romney’s clinical experience spans a range of treatment settings, including Child Protection, Community Adult Mental Health, and Private Practice. While Romney works with clients of all ages and clinical presentations, his key interest and skill set is working with adult survivors of Complex Developmental Trauma. Romney’s private practice, South West Clinical Psychology, is based in Margaret River, Western Australia.
Development Acknowledgement
Relational-Experiential Theory was first developed in 2019, and since this time has gone through a range of revisions. Many clinicians have kindly shared their specialist knowledge and skills to shape how RET is presented today. Thank you to all of those who have generously contributed to this evolution.
Round Table – Advisory Council
The following individuals provide guidance on clinical and academic matters:
(Please contact us if you are interested in joining our advisory team)
Romney Noonan
Clinical Psychologist & Developer of Relational-Experiential Theory
Specialist Areas: Psychotraumatology, EMDR, Schema Therapy, Positive Psychology
Dr Rory Darkins
Psychology Lecturer, Researcher and Mental Skills Coach
Specialist Areas: Positive Psychology, Performance Psychology, and Breathing
Monika Knausenberger
Psychologist and Lecturer
Specialist Areas:
Neuroscience, Learning Theory, Relationships, Trauma
Christian Johnson
Mental Health Social Worker, Master of Clinical Family Therapy
Specialist Areas:
Family and Systemic Relationship Therapy
Aaron Milward
Clinical Psychologist
Specialist Areas:
Relational and Interpersonal Psychology
Presentations
Relational Experiential Theory was introduced to the scientific community at the 9th World Congress on Positive Psychology, in Brisbane, Australia, July 2025.
Noonan, R. (2025, July 2-5). Relational-Experiential Theory: A New Lens for Positive Psychology [Poster presentation]. International Positive Psychology Association - “9th World Congress on Positive Psychology”, Brisbane, Australia.
Relational-Experiential Theory: A New Lens for Positive Psychology
Relational-Experiential Theory (RET) offers a new lens for understanding human growth and regression across the lifespan. This framework synthesises a wide array of psychological science, spanning the Attachment, Trauma, and Positive Psychology bodies of literature. RET translates this into simple principles that can be incorporated into clinical workflow. The first pillar of RET is relational science; from Bowlby's Attachment Theory through to Fredrickson's Positivity Resonance, it is clear that the quality of an individual's relationships substantially impacts their well-being and psychological functioning. The second pillar of RET is experiential science; from the extensive field of Psychotraumatology to Csikszentmihalyi's Flow State, it is clear that the types of experiences an individual is exposed to also substantially impact their well-being and psychological functioning. RET posits that these two central pillars of human development and trajectory, relationships and experience, are interrelated and that a dynamic interplay occurs between them. As a broad integrative framework, RET bridges traditional deficit-based models of psychology and Positive Psychology. While this framework presents a new way of understanding human functioning, it is based on the integration of decades of well-established psychological research.
Noonan, R. (2025, July 2-5). Relational-Experiential Theory: Practical Applications of a New Lens for Positive Psychology [Poster presentation]. International Positive Psychology Association - “9th World Congress on Positive Psychology”, Brisbane, Australia.
Relational-Experiential Theory: Practical Applications of a New Lens for Positive Psychology
Relational-Experiential Theory (RET) offers an integrative framework for understanding human growth and regression across the lifespan. This theory evolved from a simple observation: the interaction of relationships and experiences is at the core of human functioning. Optimal human outcomes arise when positive experiences are accompanied by nurturing relationships, and the most detrimental human outcomes emerge when traumatic experiences coincide with toxic relationships or social isolation. From this framework, RET proposes that five interrelated continuums determine a person’s functioning and well-being throughout their lives. These include Relationships, Experiences, Mental State, Embodiment, and Growth. This theory suggests that we are constantly moving on all five continuums, with the ups and downs in life, and that a change in one of these will influence change in the other continuums. RET further explains that movement on these five continuums can be understood through the following themes: Trajectory, Set Points, Personal Development, Balance, Adaptation, and Choice. These principles have been adapted into user-friendly resources, based on the metaphor of providing a “map” and “compass” for life. The “Connection and Experience Map” conveys the principles of RET through visual storytelling. The “Connection and Experience Compass” provides a priority order for integrating RET principles into daily life.
