ABSTRACT
The interactive components of the patient-centered clinical method occur within the ongoing relationship. The relationship serves the integrating function and is accomplished through a sustained partnership with a patient that includes compassion, caring, empathy, trust, sharing power, continuity, constancy, healing, and hope. Continuity of care is longitudinal care delivered over time within the context of a long-term relationship between patient and physician. Personal continuity is necessary for a healing relationship. The most important aspect of healing the suffering patient is “understanding suffering”. Healers must bridge between the world of the sufferer and the well world. To begin to do this, the clinician must understand that “all suffering is unique and individual; “suffering involves self conflict”. All human relationships — and in particular, therapeutic relationships — are influenced by the phenomena of transference and countertransference.
