Supporting those in Recovery: 3Rs session has practical tips
It’s been 73 years since Hildegard Peplau published the Theory of Interpersonal Relations. But it still rings true for psychiatric-mental health nurses following in her footsteps and supporting those in recovery.
Peplau is a constant in “Engaging Clients in Recovery Through the 3R’s: Relationships, Ruptures, and Repairs,” a presentation available for free to APNA members through October 5, 2025, in recognition of National Recovery Month.
Led by Rebecca E. Salomon, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC, and Linda Song Beeber, PhD, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN, the session helps you connect Peplau’s theory to the collaborative efforts of modern-day practice. Central to this is, as Beeber explains, a “focus on those intentional ways of creating interpersonal safety… [through] the 3rs: Relationship, Rupture and Repair.”
Relationship
The relationship between client and nurse is at the core of care. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but its purpose should be focused on client growth, with nurse growth a secondary purpose.
“Peplau was clear – unless both of us grow, it’s not therapeutic,” Beeber said.
Rupture
A rupture is a shift in the relationship from productive to non-productive. Recognition is a crucial first step to repairing a rupture in the client-nurse relationship. For example, you might recognize that you feel relieved when the client doesn’t want to meet with you.
“Peplau was the first one to say our feels are data,” Beeber says. “They are a source of data. And we need not suppress them or talk ourselves out of them. We need to look at them.”
Repair
Repair is the intentional interaction between nurse and client to confirm understanding, clear up miscommunication, restore the shared connection, and revise the agreement as needed. This creates a safe space for both nurse and client.
“You [as a psychiatric-mental health nurse] are at your therapeutic best when you feel safe and you’re able to think,” Salomon said.
Discover the 3Rs for yourself
Earn 0.75 contact hours of CE and discover more about how the 3Rs are central to interpersonal safety and supporting clients in recovery with this education available for FREE to APNA members through October 5, 2025.
Published September 2025
>>> Interested in learning more? Visit the APNA Recovery and Suicide Prevention Months page to find more FREE CE, additional tools, insights, and strategies.
