Therapeutic partnership. A model for clinical practice.

The illness of a relative disturbs family equilibrium and creates a stressor of significant magnitude. Thus, interpretations of individual or family functioning must be placed in this context. The Therapeutic Partnership model is adept at reinforcing shared responsibility, accountability, and decision making. It conveys a culture of hope and appears to achieve its desired goals. Therapeutic Partnership stands in direct contrast to the notion of lifetime advocacy and other more traditional treatment approaches. It is a highly intense, time-limited, goal-directed involvement.