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During the working phase of a therapeutic relationship, the nurse offers emotional support as one of the key components of establishing a trusting and supportive environment for the patient. This phase is characterized by active collaboration between the nurse and the patient, where significant therapeutic tasks are accomplished. The nurse helps the patient work through issues, gain insight, and develop strategies for coping, which often includes providing emotional encouragement and validation of the patient's feelings.

The working phase involves deepening the nurse-patient relationship, facilitating the exploration of thoughts and feelings, and assisting in achieving the identified goals. Emotional support is critical during this stage because it allows the patient to feel understood and valued, which can enhance their engagement in the therapeutic process and improve outcomes.

In contrast, during the preinteraction phase, the nurse prepares to meet the patient, focusing on chart reviews and planning rather than providing direct emotional support. The orientation phase involves establishing rapport and the boundaries of the relationship, where preliminary emotional connections may begin but are not fully developed. The termination phase focuses on concluding the therapeutic relationship, reflecting on progress and gains made, which may involve some emotional support, but this is not the primary focus as it is in the working phase.