This exploratory study examined the nature of therapeutic conversation
between helping professionals and homeless persons as an intervention to
optimize health. Meaningful conversation occurred in relationships where
there was a sense of connection and the presence of rapport. Emergent
facilitators of therapeutic conversation included respectful engagement,
casual nature of conversation, alternative settings for therapeutic
conversation, effective listening, and establishing trust. Barriers included
prejudging homeless persons, fear of punishment and authority, and
academic and professional intimidation. Central to the study findings was
the acknowledgement of the client’s personhood. Acknowledgement of
personhood is a critical element in engagement between homeless persons
and helping professionals. Key Words: Therapeutic Conversation,
Meaningful Conversation, Homeless, Helping Professionals, and
Personhood