Therapeutic alliance in mental health care

When language issues challenge provider-patient relationships

Abstract

The field of psychiatric nursing provides unique opportunities for nurse-patient interactions. Nurses working in inpatient psychiatric settings face constant challenges that may hinder the development of meaningful nurse-patient interactions. Peplau's theory of interpersonal relations emphasized the importance of nurse-patient relationships in nursing care. Therapeutic alliance can help promote nurse-patient relationships and may help nurses and patients achieve their goals. This article presents several phases of a concept-building process that illustrates the importance of therapeutic alliance and its application in mental health care.

In Brief

Therapeutic alliance can help optimize nurse-patient relationships. This article outlines several phases of a concept-building process that illustrates the importance of therapeutic alliance and its application in mental health care.