26

In our profession, we are often called upon as nurses to conduct interviews of patients and their families. An individual or collective interview that is flexible and based on dialogue plays a decisive role in constructing a therapeutic alliance and developing a treatment strategy. This is why we are as much interested in knowing the person as in knowing the pathological elements. We are looking for the aptitudes and resources of the patient, his or her family, and social environment. Indeed, recognizing problems and symptoms and making a diagnosis are far from sufficient for helping someone. The nurse needs to look elsewhere to recognize those moments, however brief, when the patient is able to feel good or better. We should like to share with you our very positive experience using this tool, which required us to revise our theories and practices in order to integrate a systemic contribution.