Psychologists play an essential role in fostering therapeutic doctor-patient relationships, according to Noël Kwizera, legal representative of the Association pour la promotion de la santé mentale (APSM). Kwizera stated that "L’écoute empathique et neutralité bienveillante en pratique psychique est le cœur de l’alliance thérapeutique." The article, published on May 20, 2026, emphasizes that a psychologist's contribution puts the human back at the heart of care. This contribution to the doctor-patient relationship is essential for putting the human back at the heart of care, as it centers the individual's experience. Kwizera explained that this complementarity provides global care, considering a patient's somatic and psychological dimensions. "Le patient se sent vu," Kwizera said, adding that "le cerveau passe du mode danger au mode sécurité, et l’accès aux traumas devient possible."
The Foundation of Trust
Understanding what another person feels, as if one were in their place without losing oneself in their experience or offering quick advice, allows them to tell their story, which is highly therapeutic. This approach requires welcoming individuals without judgment, taking sides, or imposing external values, instead focusing on a genuine concern for their well-being. One must welcome without judging, taking sides, or imposing the values of others, but with a genuine concern for the person's well-being. Benevolent neutrality is described as recreating a safe space for individuals. Without this, a person will not open up, especially regarding "invisible darkness," according to the article. Sans cela, la personne ne s’ouvre pas, surtout sur les ténèbres invisibles, meaning that without this fundamental trust, deeply personal issues remain unaddressed. A person who has experienced abuse, shame, or rejection has already faced judgment and rejection. If they perceive further judgment, they are likely to close off permanently, hindering any therapeutic progress.
Psychologist's Role in Care
A psychologist offers a safe space for speech, helping to overcome anxiety related to a diagnosis and defusing misunderstandings. This, in turn, promotes better patient adherence to treatment. This secure environment for dialogue assists patients in overcoming diagnosis-related anxiety and resolving misunderstandings, which in turn fosters improved adherence to treatment. When patients feel acknowledged, their brain transitions from a state of danger to one of safety, enabling access to past traumas. This level of psychological support is key, as a patient who feels heard and emotionally calmed gains a better understanding of their pathology. A patient who is listened to and psychologically soothed better understands their pathology, leading to more effective engagement with their care plan. Such psychological intervention also serves to prevent patients from refusing treatment, entering denial, or abandoning their care plan. Psychological support prevents treatment refusal, denial, or abandonment of care, ensuring continuity and effectiveness of medical interventions.
Supporting Medical Teams
Psychologists serve as a valuable link for doctors, offering key support to the broader medical team. The psychologist is a valuable link for the doctor in supporting the medical team, ensuring a holistic approach to patient well-being. Their involvement allows medical professionals to concentrate on the physiological aspects of patient care. By addressing and managing psychological suffering, such as anxiety and depression, the psychologist allows the doctor to focus on the somatic dimension. This creates an environment where doctors can focus more effectively on the somatic dimensions of health. This division of labor also plays a role in preventing burnout among caregivers by offloading some of the emotional and mental burden associated with patient distress. By managing psychological suffering (anxiety, depression), the psychologist allows the doctor to focus on the somatic dimension while preventing burnout among caregivers, contributing to a more sustainable and effective healthcare system.
