Patients’ Experiences of Supportive Conversation as Long-Term Treatment in a Swedish Psychiatric Outpatient Care Context: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

This study aims to describe patients’ experiences of supportive conversation as long-term treatment in a psychiatric outpatient context. A focus group interview was conducted with six female patients (aged 40–60 years). Five key constituents captured the essence of the general structure of supportive conversation: being treated as a responsible person, sensing intimate contact and togetherness, perceiving stability in the relationship, learning to manage daily living, and growing as a person. Supportive conversations have a positive influence on the patient's state of mind and enhance self-confidence, thereby giving the inner strength to grow as a person.