Components of a Therapeutic Relationship
Understanding one’s own beliefs, values, and biases
Self-awareness
Primarily initiated for friendship, socialization, companionship, or task accomplishment
Social Relationship
“Yes.” “I follow what you said.” Nodding.
Accepting
“Do you think you should?”
Reflecting
Client makes full use of services and nurse supports client in achieving goals
Exploitation Phase
Foundation of therapeutic relationships; builds client confidence in the nurse
Trust
Involves two people emotionally committed to each other
Intimate Relationship
“Would you describe it more fully?”
Exploring
“You have difficulty sleeping.”
Restating
Establishing trust and boundaries and setting goals and expectations
Orientation Phase
Demonstrated by active listening, empathy, understanding, and engaging in meaningful conversation
Genuine Interest
Focuses on the client’s needs, experiences, feelings, and ideas
Therapeutic Relationship
“This point seems worth looking at more closely.”
Focusing
“I am not sure that I follow.”
Seeking Information
Ending the therapeutic relationship and reviewing progress and achievements
Termination Phase
The ability of the nurse to perceive the meanings and feelings of the client
Empathy
Provides guidance and support and helps clients develop independence
Parent Surrogate
“What could you do to let your anger out harmlessly?"
Formulating a Plan of Action
“I see no one else in the room.”
Presenting Reality
Client begins to identify problems and nurse helps in problem solving
Identification Phase
Avoiding judgments of the person no matter what the behavior; fostering a nonjudgmental environment and encouraging self-expression
Acceptance
Represents clients’ interests and ensures their rights are respected
Advocate
“You’ve finished your list of things to do.”
Giving Recognition
“You appear tense.”
Making Observations
Trust, genuine interest, empathy, acceptance, positive regard, self-awareness, and therapeutic use of self
Components of a Therapeutic Relationship