‘Like a human being, I was an equal, I wasn't just a patient’: Service users’ perspectives on their experiences of relationships with staff in mental health services

ConclusionsMental health services should be more focused uponcare, rather thancontrol. The Power Safety Identity (PSI) model, a reflexive model based upon key relational components highlighted by participants, is proposed for services and professionals to consider their work. The components of this model are managed by mental health practitioners and can determine whether these relationships maintain, increase, or alleviate psychological distress.Practitioner points Awareness of the relational components ofpower, safety, andidentity has the potential to help practitioners reflect upon the tensions they experience in their relationships with service users. Mental health services and professionals that are sensitive to issues related topower, safety, andidentity when responding to the needs of the service users can improve how individuals perceive the quality of care provided by them. Relationships between service users and mental health practitioners can encourage recovery if they are consistent, safe, trusting, provide protective power, and mirror a positive sense of self.
Source: Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Qualitative Paper Source Type: research