The Compassionate Connection by David Rakel

Author:David Rakel
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company

The higher the degree of risk, the more important the balance of competency and intimacy becomes. For instance, we might see a cardiologist who’s at the top of her game, but who is cold and distant. Or we might engage one whose medical expertise is mediocre, but who is warm and friendly. In either case, our trust and care would be jeopardized. The latter may make us feel good, but we may not receive the best evidence-based care available, while the former gives us solid, up-to-date information, but leaves us feeling uncomfortable. In this case, we likely won’t trust the physician or follow through on her recommendations. Moreover, the proposed therapy will likely be less effective because the detached clinician has not used the power of the connection to “stack the deck” in favor of the healing response. With the quick advancement of artificial intelligence, computers will be able to fill the gaps in competency, and human intimacy will dominate this equation.

The neuroplastic potential of the central nervous system can alter the neuropeptides that are generated with perception. A willingness to connect prompts an epigenetic influence in the caregiver that can create a healthy work environment or a dreaded one. In turn, a happier caregiver can shift her client’s course toward healthier outcomes. And all of this derives from recognizing one’s biases and stepping out of the clutter.

Ultimately, there’s truth in Anaïs Nin’s words: “We don’t see things as they are; we see things as we are.” To initiate a truly empathetic encounter, caregivers can heed the ancient Greek maxim: “Know thyself.” It’s also crucial to recognize how personal beliefs can potentially get in the way of healing. The better people understand the lenses through which they observe the world, the more clearly they’re able to see beyond and around them as they prepare themselves to be a positive conduit in their interactions with others.

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