ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the role of therapeutic relationships in mental health nursing. It examines a number of factors that contribute to the development of the therapeutic relationship. These include intrapersonal factors such as value systems, and personal attributes, as well as consideration of the context of mental health nursing practice. The evidence from the patient experience literature highlights the need for nurses to make time for patients. Initially, at least, this will involve actively seeking out the person and engaging with them. Such engagement may take the form of a verbal interaction if the person is amenable to this. However, where a person’s mental distress has resulted in withdrawal from social interaction, the simple process of being with, and present for, the person, in a way that enables them to feel that their distress and current emotional state has been acknowledged, may be what is required.
