COMMUNICATION, INTERACTION, RESPONSIBILITY AND AUTONOMY OF THE PSYCHOLOGIST-CONSULTANT IN THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

Abstract

The article discusses the leading aspects of the professional activities of counselling psychologists in the field of healthcare. It notes that psychologists with this specialisation are in demand in the current conditions of medical institutions, sanatoriums, and health resorts, where people restore not only their physical but also their mental health by using the services of a psychologist. Therefore, the assistance of a counselling psychologist is a requirement of our time. The article defines that communication and integration of a counselling psychologist in healthcare is a complex interaction with patients, their families and colleagues, aimed at facilitating treatment and support, which requires discursive influence, trusting conversation, empathy, active listening, the ability to build trust and create a comfortable atmosphere, as well as knowledge of the specifics of the medical environment, which includes respect for the patient, competence and cooperation with doctors to create a complex. It should be noted that in modern psychological counselling practice, there is incorrect use and interpretation of communication and interaction. Manifestations of interaction are often unjustifiably attributed to communication. However, modern psychology distinguishes between these phenomena, namely: communication refers to purely verbal processes: speaking (expression), listening (perception and understanding), reading and writing, while interaction refers to (non-verbal) interaction, cooperation, collaboration, the expression of attitudes, relationships where there is room for the expression of respect, empathy, kindness, etc. The article also discusses the specific features of communication and interaction of counselling psychologists in healthcare, their responsibility and autonomy, noting that they should focus their actions on effective interaction with patients and understand the differences between communication and interaction, which contributes to the effectiveness of psychological counselling. It reveals the essence of the principles of patient-centredness and interdisciplinary interaction, the main aspects of activity (setting, psychotherapy, crisis work). The leading rules of responsibility (competence, confidentiality, informed consent, professional boundaries, client wellbeing, etc.) are highlighted. The autonomy of the counselling psychologist is defined as a balance between professional independence and strict clinical protocols.