The nurse—client relationship: a mutual learning experience

The nurse‐client relationship is a mutual learning experience and a corrective emotional experience for the client. The terms ‘learning’ and ‘corrective’ imply a change in the participants’ behaviour. Because the prospect of change is threatening, the skilful nurse provides a climate for the client that is conducive to expressing feelings at every step in the course of the nurse‐client relationship. Both positive and negative feelings are appreciated; both are put into the service of the problem‐solving venture other than being allowed to impede it. To the extent that this occurs, the nurse‐client collaborative efforts further the experience of each participant.