Abstract This paper examines how the nurse-patient therapeuticrelationship is the psychosocial bond that fosters and nurtures the healing of a patient. The paper asserts that the therapeuticrelationship between a patient and his psychiatric nurse is a special bond between human beings that possesses several unique attributes, founded on a trust that is rooted deeply in the traditions of professional health care. It discusses compassion which, when practiced by mental health professionals, has the potential to facilitate healing as well as impede it. The paper concludes that, although more reliance on medications and behavioral modification techniques such as psychotherapy continue to be more and more of a factor in the treatment of mental illnesses, it is ultimately the attitude of the individual that determines the patient's progress towards healing.
Outline:
Introduction
Significance to Nurses
Significance to Patient and Family
Transference
Continuity of Care
Reflections
Conclusion
From the Paper "The significance of the therapeutic relationship to the patient and family is that it provides them with a means to connect with the health care staff not only in terms of treatment of the patient, but also in terms of establishing a means by which patient and nurse can relate on even terms. Rapport with the patient's family further establishes a link with the patient outside the hospital. This is beneficial especially in situations where patients are far from easy access to health institutions where primary care for their condition is being given. (Forchuk, Reynolds, Sharkey, Martin & Jensen, 2007)"
An examination of the appropriateness of the Helping Alliance Questionnaire-2 (HAQ-2) as an instrument for measuring a psychologist's ability to assess the therapeuticrelationship.
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of a therapeutic alliance for treatment. It explores the ability of clinical psychologists to improve the health of the therapeuticrelationship between a therapist and patient. It then explores the appropriateness of the Helping Alliance Questionnaire-2 (HAQ-2) as an instrument for measuring psychologist ability to assess the therapeuticrelationship.
Table of Contents:
Part 1: TherapeuticRelationship or Client-Therapist Attachment?
Understanding the Elements of the TherapeuticRelationship Understanding Client-Therapist Attachment
Comparing and Contrasting the TherapeuticRelationship and Client-Therapist Attachment
Research Rationale
Part 2: Assessing Measurement Instruments
Relationship Measurement Instruments
The Helping Alliance Questionnaire (HAQ-2)
Reliability and Validity of the HAQ-2
Comparison with Other Instruments
Limitations of the HAQ-2
Appropriateness of the HAQ-2 for the Intended Study
From the Paper "When one considers all of the variables associated with selection of the research instrument and the desired outcomes of the intended research, the HAQ-2 stands out as the most obvious choice. The HAQ-2 has many advantages over other research instruments for this study. One of the key considerations is ease of administration. It is short and only takes a few minutes to complete. This is a key reason for ruling out other research instruments, such as the BLRI. The WAI is another possibility, but it does not allow the potential for direct comparison of client and patient results for the same session."
Abstract Although psychology and psychotherapeutic intervention remains a relatively new profession, assisting people with mental health disorders is an important part of health wellness. No matter the psychotherapeutic regimen a therapist chooses to follow and implement, all have a core element, namely, establishing and sustaining a strong clinician-patient relationship. The focus of this essay is to present the reader a compendium of relationship characteristics needed in establishing a workable clinician-patient therapeuticrelationship.
Abstract The paper provides an overview of the relationship between therapeutic alliance and retention with reference to the underlying influence of attachment theory. The paper aims to discover how the therapeutic alliance is perceived by the patient and the therapist and how this perception impacts the decision to continue with therapy, change the procedure or to change to another therapist. A brief overview of the history and significance of the therapeutic alliance is offered as well as a look at the attachment theory. The paper concludes that the therapeutic alliance is an essential component in the positive outcomes of therapy as well as in retention.
Outline:
Introduction
Brief Background to the Understanding of Therapeutic Alliance
The Value of Therapeutic Alliance and its Relationship to Retention
Attachment Theory
Conclusion: The Question of Client and Therapist Perceptions of Therapeutic Alliance
From the Paper "In 1934, Sterba defined alliance as the relationship between the reasonable aspects of both the therapist and the client. (Sterba, 1934) Therefore, in order to enable positive outcomes and retention, the client's ego "...needed to be strengthened in its interactions with the therapist" (Delaney, 2006). This process was facilitated by an intense form of understanding and cooperation between therapist and client. The concept of alliance was therefore seen as an indispensable process, whereby the client would accept or acquiesce to the therapist's view and insight into the particular problem, which in turn would increase the likelihood of positive outcomes to the therapy.
"The view of therapeutic alliance was taken further by therapists such as Zetzel, Rogers and Greenson in the 1950s and 1960s. These therapists advanced beyond the theory of transference towards an understanding of the therapeutic alliance as a conscious process, which leads to the development of a situation of trust and cooperation between the client and the therapist."
Abstract This paper studies the characteristics of relationships that are formed between clients and mental health professionals. It defines and describes the mental health professional's role and responsibilities in establishing a successful relationship with the client. The paper also looks at the characteristics that the mental health nurse must possess in order to be successful in her position.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Role and Relationship Therapeutic Skills
Trust and Commitment
Suspension of Moral Judgment
Empathy
Freedom to Speak Openly
Legal Limitations on Therapeutic Counseling
Problematic Relationships Conclusion
From the Paper "Additionally, the mental health professional must work to maintain a professional relationship with the client that is built on objective, empathic recognition of the client's past and current histories, which will help facilitate insight into how and why the client makes specific decisions and how the client frames his or her relationships with others. Limitations imposed by professional standards and the obligations that the therapist has towards the client also serve to define their roles. When this is accomplished, the mental health professional can empower the client with autonomous self-directed decision-making skills, which in turn give the client the ability to make progress when he or she is not currently engaged in the therapy process."
Abstract This paper examines the language and cultural aspect of deafness. The author discusses the effect these have on the deaf substance abuser's therapeuticrelationship and on the treatment. It is also stressed that more research is needed to aid deaf and hearing impaired people.
From the Paper "According to Robert Pollard (1996) approximately about 40,000 deaf Americans suffer from serious psychopathology. Only 2% of Deaf Americans in need of mental health services receive them. The Deaf population is severely underserved, proven by this fact. Individuals who are deaf constitute a special subgroup of the disabled population for whom counseling services are insufficiently provided (Tucker, 1981).According to Johnson and Locke (1978), research on substance abuse among deaf people is meager. Enough drug and alcohol abuse in a residential school for the deaf was present to justify special intervention and prevention programs (cited in McCrone, 1982). The deaf alcoholic is not only isolated from society because of his/her alcoholism, but the deaf community is normally an isolated group of people and there is the painful awareness of isolation for a person who is not only deaf but also ill with the disease of alcoholism (Hetherington, 1979). It is evident, as I will show in the following paper, more research is needed to allow mental health centers to provide services for hearing impaired and deaf individuals. This paper will focus on one of the reasons the mental health community has not fully served this cultural population."
This paper is a literature review studying the relationship of heroin addicts and either their D (disorganized) type attachment, or factors that might be assumed to denote D type behaviors.
Abstract This paper examines dysfunctional attachment, especially the D (disorganized) form, as an a priori factor in the psychology of heroin addicts and as an impact on the therapeuticrelationship. The author points out that Goodman and Hans (1999) investigated infants exposed to methadone in utero did not differ from comparison infants in indexes of proximity-seeking at reunion but did display higher scores on indexes of disorganized and avoidant behavior and lower scores on indexes of contact-maintaining behavior. The paper relates that because some people who can control their habit, indulging in heroin only on weekends, all addictions may not be allied to dysfunctional attachment patterns.
From the Paper "Carswell et al (2002) investigated a social control model for dealing with serious addiction in youthful abusers. They noted that some "argue that delinquency and substance abuse are learned behaviors produced by continued exposure to multiple risk factors associated with problems or deficits within the individual, family, peers, school, and community." Among these was conflict-ridden families, arguably resulting in dysfunctional attachment patterns. They investigated whether the standard protective factors-supportive parental relationships among them-were mitigating factors for both the dysfunctional behaviors and resulting abuse problems."
Tags: priori, therapeutic, studies, control, family
Abstract The paper studies the characteristics of relationships formed between clients and mental health professionals, with the purpose of defining and describing the mental health professional's role and responsibilities in establishing a successful relationship. The paper looks at the importance of a relationship built on trust, integrity, reliability and empathic recognition of the client's past and current histories. The paper discusses the goal of empowering the client with autonomous self-directed decision-making skills.
Outline:
Introduction
Trust and Commitment
Suspension of Moral Judgment
Empathy
Freedom to Speak Openly
Problematic Relationships Conclusion
From the Paper "The therapeutic relationship is the single greatest component of the therapy process (Gerstein, 1999; Corey & Corey, 2005). It is recognized that therapy is facilitated through guidance, and while much of this guidance can eventually be self-directed by the client, the initial therapy process is dependent upon the strength, commitment, and direction provided to the client by the mental health professional (Collins, Jordan, & Coleman, 1999). If the client and the mental health professional are unable to form a successful working relationship, this guidance will not occur and the overall amount of progress made during therapy will be severely hindered, if indeed it is able to be achieved at all (Turner, 1996)."
Abstract This paper examines the controversy surrounding therapeutic cloning in light of biomedical ethics. The author argues in favor of therapeutic cloning citing its medical benefits. The opposing viewpoint is also presented. The author concludes, however, that more people need to understand the nuances of cloning, so that it will become more acceptable in the future.
From the Paper "Cloning is basically the recreation of life in the form of the donor parent. In other words, when you clone a sheep, a pig, or a human, it is an identical twin of the donor. Cloning immediately frightens some people and excites others. It frightens people because it carries the implication that a scientist in a lab somewhere could create human life for his own purposes. That is frightening and ethically challenging. Many religious groups (and others) oppose cloning for the ethical reason that no one should be able to create life but God."
Tags: biomedical, ethics, therapeutic, cloning, stem, cell, research
Abstract This paper discusses stem cell research, with specific attention to therapeutic cloning, and then relates this to the recent scientific breakthroughs concerning stem cell application to breast implants. The paper reviews research; public opinion and embryo stem cell cloning. It looks at reconstructive surgery and plastic surgery.
From the Paper "Stem cell research is experiencing great advances, allowing humans to see a future where diseases of today will not be of such concern tomorrow ..."
Tags:therapeutic cloning, stem cell research, breast implants
Abstract This paper discusses the idea that by offering therapeutic interventions, behaviors can be changed. The paper examines the literature on the topic for evidence that such interventions produce personality change in people with psycho-emotional and personality disorders. The paper also suggests that personality changes can be affected through psychotherapeutic interventions. However, the paper concludes that more and better controlled studies are needed to justify the claim.
Abstract This paper explores how people feel about interracial relationships and takes a look at the advantages and disadvantages of being in an interracial relationship. Providing statistics on prevalent interracial relationships, the author points out how interracial couples in straight and gay relationships have been on the rise in recent years even though there are some people who believe that races should not mix. Attributing to a degree, the acceptance of interracial relationships is influenced by geographic location, the paper also discusses transracial adoption. This paper includes graphs.
Outline:
Introduction
Advantages and Disadvantages of an Interracial Relationship Conclusion
From the Paper "As a result of the history of racial relations in the United States, interracial relationships have long been controversial. Although the controversy over interracial relationships has always existed and continues to exist, the number of interracial couples has continued to rise. There are all types of interracial relationships including Straight and Gay Relationships and also interracial adoptions."
Tags: marriage adoption, homosexual relationships, heterosexual relationships
Abstract This paper is an analysis of the relationships between Blanche, Stanley and Stella in "A Streetcar Named Desire". It shows that none of the relationships in the play were normal or healthy. In order, it examines the relationship between Blanche and Stella, the relationship between Blanche and Stanley, and the relationship between Stella and Stanley.
From the Paper "Blanche and Stella Dubois came from a well-to-do family. The sisters grew up on a plantation called Belle Reve. Stella had always been very self-absorbed and one day, she left the plantation behind and found her way to the city. She left Blanche to take care of the remaining family. All was well on the plantation until the depression hit and money was scarce, even for the rich. Blanche had to take care of an ailing family while she worked as a schoolteacher to make ends meet. She saw most of her family die and she resents Stella for not being there to help take care of everyone. She is angry with Stella for leaving her with all the responsibilities."
This paper presents a review of literature on the subject of relationships and a study of the pyschological and emotional factors relevant to relationships.
4,900 words (approx. 19.6 pages), 11 sources, 2002, $ 178.95
Abstract The paper reviews literature in connection with relationships and studies important psychological and emotional factors, which can make or break a relationship. There is certainly no dearth of literature on this subject but for this study, only important books and articles have been selected for review because they offer precious insight into the subject. While most people consider relationships vital for their emotional and spiritual growth, still they often make mistakes which can totally destroy the bond that a couples shares. The paper addresses these issues and presents the views and opinions of some marriage and relationship experts in this connection.
Abstract This paper examines a number of issues concerning same-sex relationships. The paper focuses on same-sex relationships in Western history and discusses public perceptions of such relationships, looks at the role that the Gay and Lesbian movement has had in influencing public perception, discusses some of the conflicts seen between old and new gay groups. and discusses the harassment that gays and lesbians are often subjected to. The paper also looks at the move to legalize same-sex marriages and the issue of AIDS.
From the Paper "Over the last five decades the gay and lesbian movement has been instrumental in reshaping public perceptions towards same-sex relationships in the US. Essentially, it is impossible to study public perceptions towards same-sex relationships without considering the role of the gay and lesbian movement. For gay and lesbian individuals this movement has enabled individuals who had previously been ostracized and stigmatized from mainstream social networks to carve a niche and feel a sense of belonging in alternative communities. Even more significantly the gay and lesbian movement..."
Tags: Same-sex, relationships, in, Western, history
