ABSTRACT
Chapter 7 focuses on the personal factors that influence a PHCP’s clinical practice. The chapter describes how these factors (knowledge, self-awareness, open-mindedness/flexibility, and curiosity) are complemented by self-care and past experience (clinical and maturational learning) to provide a solid foundation for development and evolution of the worldview, values, and commitment to authentic engagement that enable EPPs to successfully implement the process of attunement. The concept of emotional intelligence is introduced and its importance highlighted. Using quotes to illustrate these personal influencers and offering suggestions and questions for the reader to contemplate, the chapter distinguishes clinical learning from maturational learning and demonstrates how to build emotional intelligence and meaningfully engage in human-to-human interaction.
