Table 2 Summarized results

Vision on support

● Relationship only with client

● CG is an ally of the MHN

● Focus is on fostering the quality of life: Wellbeing of CG, the client and their interrelatedness

● Care for client is main focus

● CG is potential obstacle to reaching client goals

● Wellbeing of CG and Cl is interrelated

● Assumption that family ties are irreversibly weak

● Systemic approach is needed

Interpretation of role and responsibility

● Responsible for treatment environment

● To support CG as teammate by preventing excessive burden in order to prevent drop out

● Support both CG and Cl

● Modelling of appropriate CG behaviour

● Observe CG-client relationship and offer practical solutions

● Focus on relieving the suffering of both CG and the Cl and reaching full potential of both

● CG Problems referred to other professionals if needed

● Avoid being dragged into the situation

● Presence comes before problem-solving

Acknowledgement of relationship with the caregiver

● Keeping distance

● Equal, professional and trusting relationship

● Aims at building a trusting, reciprocal, non-hierarchical relationship with CG and Cl

● Contact only in order to gain access to client and gain information about client illness (manifestation)

● Maintaining the CG-MHN relationship is fostered by recognizable narratives as well as the CG’s empathy for the client’s situation and by working together

● CG is viewed as expert

● Relationship is hampered by CG refusing assistance

● Relationship is based on understanding the CG as a person

● Present without prejudices

Defining CG needs

● Defining CG needs is not an issue

● Focus on problems with caregiving tasks and not on CG emotions

● Emotional impact of the mental illness on expectations, treat to integrity, dreams and life course of both the caregiver and the client

● No systematic assessment of CG needs

● Assess the impact on the interrelatedness and mutual dependence of the CG and Cl

● Support based on assumptions about CG needs rather than facts

● Assessment by open and empathic listening to the CG narratives

● Assessment in the absence of Cl is needed

Interventions that meet the CG’s needs

● Information and modelling concerning behaviour preferred to reach clients’ goals

● Support by problem oriented and instrumental advice

● Presence is most important intervention

● Listening to CG stories

● MHN is mediator rather than decision maker

● Acts more pro-actively as relationship deepens

● Improvement of mutual communication, problem-solving strategies and personal development

● In the case of CG-client conflict in goals CG support is left to colleague