• To learn more about the therapeutic relationship and its central role in mental health nursing practice
• To find out how nurses can use themselves as an instrument of care in the therapeutic relationship
• To count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers)
• To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers)
The therapeutic relationship is widely regarded as central to nursing practice, yet the concept is so familiar that it is easily taken for granted. However, like any relationship, a therapeutic relationship cannot be assumed, and to be therapeutic it requires investment from both nurse and service user. This article outlines the theoretical background and fundamental components of the therapeutic relationship, such as self-awareness, reflection and professionalism. The author also describes the skills required to develop therapeutic relationships with service users and introduces a new mnemonic – ATTACH – which encapsulates some of these qualities and skills.
Mental Health Practice. doi: 10.7748/mhp.2021.e1561
Peer reviewThis article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software
Correspondence Conflict of interestNone declared
Wright KM (2021) Exploring the therapeutic relationship in nursing theory and practice. Mental Health Practice. doi: 10.7748/mhp.2021.e1561
Published online: 27 July 2021
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