Recognizing, understanding, and responding to familiar responses: The importance of a relationship history for therapeutic effectiveness

PROBLEM. To describe aspects of therapeutic effectiveness, including the im portance of an ongoing relationship. METHODS. A phenomenological study (n = 14) involving nurse psychotherapists (n = 6) and clients (n = 8). FINDINGS. Participants recognized dense meanings and familiar, shorthand co mmunications evolving from their relationship history. This ability to read another's responses with sensitivity and attunement contributed to a sense of comfort and openness during therapy sessions. CONCLUSIONS. Students should be taught how a relationship history contribut es to sensitivity to nuances of meaning and development of an individualize d approach. Reimbursement structures must be developed that acknowledge the situated nature of change and the significance of an ongoing relationship.