This modality aims to provide people with the confidence and ability to break out of the behavioral patterns, possibly inherited from their family of origin, that negatively effect their ability to connect to others. The goal is to support, model and encourage clients so that they can better achieve more harmonious relationships. Proponents of the approach believe society and culture have created an environment that often begins to strip people of needed relational skills as early as childhood.

Some individuals may experience pressure from others to sacrifice their true inner desires and beliefs and assume roles deemed by society to be appropriate. If they fail to meet public or peer expectations, they may be criticized, blamed and experience guilt and shame as a result. People who are more often perceived as dominant figures may be influenced to adopt aggressive and defensive behaviors often idolized in the cultural mainstream. Those who fail to demonstrate these characteristics may be publicly labeled as weak and be isolated from their peers. As a result of these social pressures, some individuals may develop figurative masks to "fit in" with society, and these masks may be present as they enter into a relationship.