The components of helping relationships with professionals in psychiatry: Users’ perspective

Background: The quality of the relationship between professional and user is one of the important factors in the recovery process. However, more knowledge is needed concerning the components of helping relationships and characteristics of the helping professional. The aim of this study was to explore users’ experiences of helping relationships with professionals. Data and methods: This was a grounded theory analysis of 71 qualitative interviews to explore users’ experience of helping relationships and their components, in psychiatric care in Sweden. Discussion: Within the three main categories – interpersonal continuity, emotional climate and social interaction – two core themes were found that described vital components of helping relationships: a non-stigmatizing attitude on the part of the professionals and their willingness to do something beyond established routines. Conclusions: The focus in psychiatric tr