The Relationship Between Nurse Counselling and Formal Psychotherapy on a Severe Personality Disorder Unit

This review examines the complementary roles of nurse counselling and psychotherapy. Nurse counselling is essential to ‘hold’ severe personality disordered patients between psychotherapy sessions. The psychotherapist assists nurses in making sense of the impact of psycho‐pathology on nurse‐patient relationships. Good communication is important for effective team‐working. Successful working results from nurses and psychotherapists valuing their respective roles.