Week 1
Required Readings: Wheeler, K. (2022). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric
nurse: A how-to guide for evidence- based practice (3rd ed.). Springer. Chapter 1: The Nurse
Psychotherapist and a Framework for Practice
The difference between the biomedical model compared to the Holistic Model of Care
PMHNPs embrace a holistic model of care with a focus on healing, in contrast to the cure-
focused biomedical model.
Biomedical Model:
o Focuses on biological aspects of illness.
o Prioritizes diagnosis and medical treatments such as medications or surgeries.
o Often excludes emotional, social, and spiritual influences.
Holistic Model:
o Emphasizes treating the person as a whole.
o Includes emotional well-being, social factors, spiritual health, and physical health.
o Supports patient-centered approaches and long-term wellness.
*Identify specific psychotherapy techniques to build and foster therapeutic relationships
with clients/patients such as emotional connection, good listening skills
o Active Listening: Demonstrating full attention to clients by paraphrasing and
summarizing their concerns.
, o Emotional Connection: Establishing rapport through empathy and genuine
understanding.
o Demonstrating Empathy: Validating emotions to help clients feel seen and heard.
o Fostering Trust: Maintaining confidentiality and consistency in interactions.
*What does resilience mean? What are stabilization strategies?
o Resilience: The term resilience refers to the ability of an individual, family, or
community to cope with adversity and trauma, and adapt to challenges through
individual physical, emotional, and spiritual attributes and access to cultural and
social resources (adapted from SAMHSA, 2014). In fact, there is speculation that
surviving a crisis can actually be a growth-promoting experience for some people.
o Stabilization Strategies: Techniques like grounding exercises, mindfulness, and
relaxation techniques; Aim to reduce emotional distress and ensure the client feels
secure.
Identify Peplau’s Roles
, o Stranger: The nurse offers a welcoming environment to build initial rapport.
o Resource: Acts as an information source for the patient’s needs and treatment.
o Teacher: Provides education about mental health topics or coping strategies.
o Counselor: Listens actively and provides emotional support.
o Surrogate: Steps into roles that the patient cannot manage themselves temporarily.
o Leader: Guides collaborative decision-making and helps set achievable goals.
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, what does self-actualization look like?
, o Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Basic needs (e.g., safety, food) precede higher-
level needs (e.g., self- actualization).
o Self-Actualization: Represents the highest level of personal growth and fulfillment;
Includes traits like creativity, independence, and striving to reach one’s full potential
*How do adverse childhood events affect mental health?