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A Therapeutic Relationship Essay

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A therapeutic relationship is a key component in the nursing profession. Without therapeutic relationships, the best possible care can never be provided. The foundation in which trust is built upon is created from the nurse’s ability to truly listen and respond appropriately. Listening creates the base in developing a strong, trusting relationship. Sometimes it is simply hearing what a patient says that makes all the difference, empowering them to open up and become more comfortable with the nurse (Hawkins-Walsh, 2000). The framework for creating a therapeutic relationship is built on the nurse’s ability to show empathy towards the client. Empathy is being able to put oneself in the patient’s shoes, to feel the same things they feel …show more content…

Respect is something as simple as treating everyone equally regardless of age, colour, weight, beliefs, gender, sexual orientation and so on. If Irene is respected, she will feel more comfortable in her environment and less stressed (Gallagher, 2007). Additional components such as caring support the nurse-client relationship; a nurse who is able to truly care for Irene will develop a strong bond with her. Caring for a client is taking the time to treat them like they matter and looking past their illness and recognizing the unique individual that they are (Johnstone, 2010). Genuineness is being authentic towards a client. Irene will respond more freely and honestly to a nurse who is genuine. A nurse is genuine by maintaining meaning behind what they say or ask and by actually caring rather than running through the motions (Van Manen, 2002). Listening plays a vital role in developing a relationship. Allowing Irene to do most of the talking prompts her to discuss her problems and relieves stress (Brammer, 2003). Presence is more than being physically near a patient. It is the combination of being mentally, emotionally and physically present. Irene will be more at ease knowing the nurse is close by (Zikorus, 2007). Therapeutic relationships ease and comfort a client`s mind. A full-bodied therapeutic relationship fosters a comfortable environment constituting contentment, thus decreasing anxiety levels (Gardner,

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