Therapist–patient interactions and expectations

Abstract

EDITORS' INTRODUCTION Having set the scene in an earlier chapter on the theme of culture and psychotherapy, in this chapter Tantam deals with therapist–patient interaction and expectations of the patients from the therapeutic encounter. There is a distinction between a patient's expectations at the beginning of the encounter and as therapy progresses these expectations change. Expectations will be influenced by previous experience (whether of counselling, which may actually increase the likelihood of continuing with treatment) or other treatments. The expectations that therapists carry with them are also important in therapeutic adherence. The expectations that therapists carry depend upon a number of factors, including their own cultures and their experiences with members of other cultures. The world view of both the therapist and the patient has to have some common values so that therapeutic work can begin. Cultures have unique and common values and some values which are common to other cultures. Similarly, between the therapist and the patient there will be common values and unique value. Empathy as a process by which the thoughts, feelings and emotions of an individual can be understood is a key component of the therapeutic encounter. Becoming more culturally aware of and therein becoming aware of and meeting patient's expectations and dealing with patients in an empathic and compassionate manner will improve therapeutic engagement and outcome.