Commitment to Compassion. Jasmine Badge

To me, the most fundamental in helping relationships is a commitment to compassion.  A helping relationship is not for the helper’s benefit; the prime directive is the patient/client’s well-being. In this way, helping relationships differ from friendship and intimate relationships, where ideally both partners have a mutual commitment to promoting each other’s health and wellness.  For example, a surgeon operates on an anesthetized person to excise a tumor. A dentist removes and replaces decayed tooth tissue. At an accident scene, a paramedic performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation and stops the bleeding. A lifeguard rescues a floundering swimmer.  Most importantly, what is required of the recipient of such services the “patient” cooperation and trust. ~ JB  #worldmentalhealthday