Developing Therapeutic Relationships in the Community Setting with Clients Experiencing Marginalization
Abstract
Background: Home- and community-based services (HCBS) are beneficial for clients; however, clients experiencing marginalization face unique barriers to using HCBS that include negative experiences with healthcare providers. Therefore, this study explored how healthcare professionals working in HCBS develop therapeutic relationships with clients experiencing marginalization.
Methods: This interpretive description study was informed by the theory of cultural humility. We completed semi-structured interviews with 13 healthcare professionals working in HCBS between March and August 2023.
Findings: Findings are organized into the themes of self-awareness and growth, honouring clients’ personhood, navigating the home environment, setting and negotiating expectations, and resource availability and impact.
Conclusion: Findings include practical approaches to support strong therapeutic relationships with clients experiencing marginalization. This paper offers insights on how the theory of cultural humility may be applied to practice, education, policy, and research to foster therapeutic relationships and improve the quality of care for clients experiencing marginalization.