The Therapeutic Relationship. Part 1: The Helping Relationship

Almahdi Wardami Alamen; Mutwakil Gamal Ahmed

doi:10.51984/4kk9yv73

Authors

Almahdi Wardami Alamen Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sebha, Sebha, Libya
Mutwakil Gamal Ahmed Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sebha, Sebha, Libya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51984/4kk9yv73

Keywords:

Communication process, Empathy, Feedback, Health literacy, Therapeutic relationship, Reflection, Self-concept, Self-esteem, Self-disclosure, Values clarification, Telehealth, Verbal communication, Nonverbal communication, Metacommunication

Abstract

Objectives: After completing the series of articles, the reader will be able to:
• Evaluate values of clarification as a prerequisite to effective health promotion.
• Examine the elements of and process of communication.
• Analyze differences between functional and dysfunctional communication.
• Develop strategies to promote therapeutic relations with diverse populations across clinical settings, contexts, and physician roles.
• Synthesize knowledge of the therapeutic relationships as an essential component of health promotion.

Relating to patients offers many challenges and rewards for clinicians. Although some aspects of this work are predictable, each person and family is unique and provides a chance for the clinician to learn, grow, and help in new ways. The series of articles provide guidelines for developing therapeutic relationships, but these guidelines do not guarantee success or an easy job. The desire and skill of the individual clinician bring this information to life. The blend of the clinician’s artistry, humanity, knowledge, skill, and ethics sparks concern and the ability to help another human being communicate effectively – essential components of the clinician-patient relationship.

The therapeutic relationship is the priority arena for health promotion. Values clarification, communication, and the helping relationship are its core components. Applying this knowledge to their varied clinician roles is essential to promoting quality care.

Rising use of technical and mounting pressures for cost-effective care are here to say. In this climate, the importance of therapeutic relationship is underscored. Without a relational context, the care dimension in health care is lost, and health promotion is reduced to standardized, recipe-like prescriptions. Effective health promotion directed to the needs of individuals, families, and communities requires reflection on the value of caring, effective communication, and a helping relationship.

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