Social Psychiatry, Vol. 54 No. 2, 2026.
Meeting abstract
https://doi.org/10.24869/spsih.2026.270
When the Relationship Is Therapy: The Therapeutic Presence of Nurses in Caring for People With Mental Disorders
Iris Marin Prižmić
; University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia
*
Suzana Sarić
; University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Introduction: Psychiatric nursing care is based on
establishing a therapeutic relationship between
the nurse and the patient. Unlike in other areas
of health care, the relationship itself is often the
most important working tool. Therapeutic presence
implies active listening, empathy, authenticity,
respect, and being available to the patient
throughout the treatment process. Aim: To present
the importance of the nurse’s therapeutic presence
in psychiatric care and its impact on building
trust, the therapeutic alliance, and treatment outcomes
in people with mental disorders. Methods:
A review of professional and scientific literature
published in databases over the past ten years,
with an emphasis on the therapeutic relationship,
therapeutic communication, and nursing interventions
in psychiatry. Results: The available literature shows that the quality of the relationship between
the nurse and the patient significantly contributes
to a sense of safety, reduction of anxiety, better
adherence to treatment, and greater satisfaction
with care. Therapeutic presence is associated with
better understanding of patients’ needs, reduced
feelings of stigmatization, and strengthening of
their personal capacities for recovery. Empathy,
consistency, and the nurse’s professional availability
have been identified as key elements of a
successful therapeutic relationship.
Conclusion: The therapeutic presence of the nurse
is one of the core competencies of psychiatric
nursing. In a time of increasing technological and
administrative burdens on health professionals,
maintaining the quality of the relationship with
the patient remains an indispensable part of professional
practice. Developing communication
skills and awareness of the importance of the
therapeutic relationship contributes to higher-
quality and more humane psychiatric care.
Keywords
psychiatric nursing; therapeutic communication; empathy; mental health
Hrčak ID:
352959
URI
Publication date:
15.6.2026.
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