Improving Care Relationships

It is no secret that the bond formed between a client and caregiver is crucial for growth, but it isn’t as simple as it sounds. Many people seeking treatment for a mental health disorder or to improve their life in another way can have difficulties regarding trust and acceptance. 

Working on client and caregiver relations can improve mental health outcomes, life achievements, and the overall quality of the care provided. According to a 2019 article from the American Psychological Association, research finds that better relationships with care providers improve a client’s likelihood to stay in therapy and get the most out of it. 

The Importance of Care Relationships

As caregivers, it can be easy to view yourself as above a client. With your education and experience, you may sometimes believe you know better. In a realm, this is true, but when it comes to therapeutic settings, equality is a vital aspect of that care. A client needs to feel that their therapist or counselor is on the same page as them and that they respect them. Therapy should be a two-way street where the client and counselor work together to make decisions.

Working Together as a Team

You can assist a client by offering generalized care, but it is individualized care they will respond to. Even clients who are motivated to make changes in their lives could be closed off because they don’t feel that their care plan acknowledges their individuality.

Many people seeking help for mental health, confidence, or personal growth don’t just need guidance or advice; they need a team. They need someone who has their back and will support them, not just tell them what to do. Proven therapies and interventions consider the client’s desires, goals, and needs. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for overall wellness. Wellness is so multifaceted that it requires unique engagement from the provider and the client. 

Improving Interaction

Drop-out rates in mental health treatment increase when care lacks client orientation. Clients are more likely to engage in their active care when treatment focuses on empowerment and respect. This structure offers a positive outlook to improve treatment and understand valuable tools for growth. 

For instance, young people can often be challenging to engage with even when they are the ones seeking treatment. To improve interaction, the provider could introduce a focus on the internet or electronics to promote productive activity. Peer groups and coaching are other ways in which younger clients become more drawn to engaging in their therapies.

How to Improve Care Relations

Understanding the impact your relationship with clients has is vital to productive care, but developing the strategies and implementing them is something else. As a care provider, you want to respect your client without judgment. As humans, it is difficult to compartmentalize your own biases from patient care, but looking at your client as someone working on themselves rather than someone who needs work can help.

Respecting your client for the work they want to do and the steps they want to take is key to your partnership. Once you can respect your client, you can move forward with other treatment methods to enhance your relationship and improve the quality of care.

Accept Feedback

Accepting feedback from a client when you are a professional trained in this topic can feel counterintuitive, but counseling is not just about teaching things you know. While your client is trying to improve themself, you should be doing the same. Continuously ensuring that you provide the best possible care for your client shows them your investment in the partnership you’ve formed.

Ask your client how they think your interventions are working. Do they feel inspired, energized, or motivated? What do they want to see more of? What questions do they have for you? Self-improvement methods like therapy are often driven by the care provider, but including the client in how sessions progress is key to improving their confidence and abilities.

Adjust Your Methods

You may have a plan of treatment you base your care on. Maybe you always follow a set of guidelines that seem to work. That may work initially, but you need to get to know your client and work with them based on their life experiences. You need to be open to changing your practices based on your client. 

For instance, if you have a client struggling with social anxiety, they may struggle to speak to you as a stranger. Breaking down tasks, speaking slower, and offering an adjusted approach with a slower growth rate may be what that client needs. It can be easy to be frustrated when a client isn’t responding to your methods, but being flexible allows you to compromise and work together.

Recognize Changes

It is important not to become complacent in your care. You will know if your client is being agitated or defensive with you. You can address that head-on and rework things. However, it is also essential for you to recognize when a client is withdrawing. Are they less active in their care? Do they agree with what you say but don’t follow through with tasks?

Withdrawing can happen at any point during therapy. If a client becomes withdrawn, address it. Discuss if the direction of their therapy isn’t going as they hoped. Ask about their expectations and what they now want to get out of this experience after some time has passed.

Improving care relationships is a crucial aspect of any successful therapeutic treatment. When a client doesn’t trust their care provider, they disengage from treatment and suffer as a consequence. The same goes for the provider. If you don’t offer support and respect to your client, they will feel judged and miss out on what they could be gaining from this experience. Building a strong bond between client and care provider is necessary for providing quality care to those looking to improve their lives and themselves. Here, at SokyaHealth, we offer a number of services that provide our clients with individualized therapies and techniques that are custom to both their needs and goals. Our care team has over 100 years of combined experience in delivering all-around wellness to those seeking help with any aspect of their lives. Call SokyaHealth today at (877) 840-6956 to learn more about our care specialties and wellness services.