2 answers
Amaya
Student
Rochester, Minnesota
5
Questions
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As a PMH or mental health professional What do you Think the best way to connect to patients is ? ?
I'm doing a research project for jobs I'm interested in and was wondering what you felt helped the best when connecting with patients.
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2 answers
Hansi Gandhi
Consultant
3
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Hansi’s Answer
Knowing that human mind works in a very complex way for each individual - Chinyere has given a great advice here.
I would also ensure that you as a medical professional do not get emotionally embroiled in patient's situation. Empathy works best but also remember at each session that you are in a medical profession and not a 'friend' or 'confidante' to the patient.
Apply the medical knowledge in understanding behavior, body language of the patient to take the first approach. Do not delve right into focusing the patient's problem. Majority of the times 'diverting' the patient to be in a comfortable zone with you helps. Be yourself and project your own individuality as the patient may react negatively to behaviors that are composed to outside world.
Always remember the patient-medical professional relationship is just a job.
Best of Luck!
I would also ensure that you as a medical professional do not get emotionally embroiled in patient's situation. Empathy works best but also remember at each session that you are in a medical profession and not a 'friend' or 'confidante' to the patient.
Apply the medical knowledge in understanding behavior, body language of the patient to take the first approach. Do not delve right into focusing the patient's problem. Majority of the times 'diverting' the patient to be in a comfortable zone with you helps. Be yourself and project your own individuality as the patient may react negatively to behaviors that are composed to outside world.
Always remember the patient-medical professional relationship is just a job.
Best of Luck!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
579
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Amaya,
Fantastic question! As a Psychiatric Mental Health (PMH) professional, I believe the best way to connect with patients is by showing "genuine empathy and active listening". People often just want to feel heard and understood, and taking the time to truly listen to their stories—without judgment—builds trust and rapport.
Another key aspect is to meet patients where they are emotionally. Sometimes this means being patient when they’re not ready to open up or offering small steps toward progress rather than overwhelming solutions.
I also find that being authentic and approachable helps. Patients can sense when someone genuinely cares, and even small things like maintaining eye contact, using a warm tone of voice, or remembering details about their lives can make a big difference.
Lastly, building connections takes time, so consistency and reliability are essential. Being someone they know they can count on helps create a safe space where healing can begin
Best wishes!
Fantastic question! As a Psychiatric Mental Health (PMH) professional, I believe the best way to connect with patients is by showing "genuine empathy and active listening". People often just want to feel heard and understood, and taking the time to truly listen to their stories—without judgment—builds trust and rapport.
Another key aspect is to meet patients where they are emotionally. Sometimes this means being patient when they’re not ready to open up or offering small steps toward progress rather than overwhelming solutions.
I also find that being authentic and approachable helps. Patients can sense when someone genuinely cares, and even small things like maintaining eye contact, using a warm tone of voice, or remembering details about their lives can make a big difference.
Lastly, building connections takes time, so consistency and reliability are essential. Being someone they know they can count on helps create a safe space where healing can begin
Best wishes!