Relationship in Clinical Practice

Abstract

It might seem that the dichotomous and complex nature of the doctor patient interaction means that no simple model could be found to encompass this relationship. However, we have found that a model based on the work of Virginia Satir covers everything necessary for whole person care. It says that in any interaction with another human being, there is the self, the other person, and the context. The objective is to be congruent: to remain aware of all three elements—myself as a person, the other person as a person, and the context in which the interaction is taking place. One might wonder why we would ever do anything else.

“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, who I am? And if not now when?”

Hillel, Ethics of the Fathers, 1:14