iOccupationalTherapy.com – Call us: 866-782-9924

What is the Correlation Between a Clinician’s Stress Level and the Recovery of their Patients?

Robin Arthur, PsyD

February 15, 2026

Question

What is the correlation between a clinician’s stress level and the recovery of their patients?

Answer

When healthcare providers manage their own stress, they provide a powerful model of healthy practices for patients who are often facing crises, uncertainty, and emotional pain. Clinical evidence shows that stress reduction in patients is directly associated with superior medical outcomes, such as reduced blood pressure and improved adherence to treatment plans. Patients who feel less stressed are much more likely to follow through with the specific healing tasks prescribed by their therapists. Therefore, a clinician's calm demeanor acts as a therapeutic tool that actively facilitates the patient's physical and emotional recovery.

 

This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, A Comprehensive Approach To Stress Management And Enhancing Well-Being, presented by Robin Arthur, PsyD.


robin arthur

Robin Arthur, PsyD

Dr. Robin T. Arthur is a licensed clinical and consulting psychologist with more than 30 years of experience in mental health, healthcare leadership, and organizational development. Formerly a faculty member of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Chief of Psychology at the Lindner Center of HOPE, she helped establish a nationally recognized mental health hospital.

Dr. Arthur earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from Xavier University and completed postdoctoral studies in neuropsychology at the University of Cincinnati. She specializes in translating psychological science into practical leadership strategies that enhance communication, emotional intelligence, and stress management in healthcare settings to enhance patient care.

A recipient of the Distinguished Psychologist Award from the Ohio Psychological Association, Dr. Arthur develops and delivers continuing education programs nationwide. Her evidence-based, engaging style makes complex behavioral concepts accessible and immediately applicable in clinical and professional practice.

 

 


Related Courses

A Comprehensive Approach To Stress Management And Enhancing Well-Being
Presented by Robin Arthur, PsyD
Video

Presenter

Robin Arthur, PsyD
Course: #9653Level: Introductory2 Hours
  'This course was extremely helpful and impactful'   Read Reviews
Designed for healthcare providers and leaders, this course explores the physiology of stress, its chronic effects on health and performance, and the realities of workplace strain. The content translates science into practice with clear distinctions between adaptive and maladaptive stress, case stories from clinical settings, and actionable tactics such as mindful breathing, movement, and lifestyle foundations. Participants map personal stressors, experiment with rapid regulation tools, and examine habits that restore sleep, focus, and emotional balance. The emphasis is on practical, evidence-informed approaches that cultivate resilience, grounded presence, and better patient care.

Transformative Communication
Presented by Robin Arthur, PsyD
Video

Presenter

Robin Arthur, PsyD
Course: #9654Level: Introductory1.5 Hours
  'I love how they utilize the model Connect and how they broke each of the letter down on what they mean'   Read Reviews
This course explores transformative communication in healthcare and leadership, contrasting it with transactional approaches. It covers communication barriers and application of the CONNECT model. It also includes evidence-based strategies for emotional regulation, respect, and validation, to foster trust and improve outcomes in challenging interactions. The focus is on developing practical skills to enhance collaboration and psychological safety in daily clinical and leadership practice in healthcare settings.

Emotional Intelligence In Healthcare: Driving High-Quality Care And Team Performance
Presented by Robin Arthur, PsyD
Video

Presenter

Robin Arthur, PsyD
Course: #9655Level: Introductory1.5 Hours
  'Very helpful and interesting'   Read Reviews
This course extends beyond technical skills to examine the profound impact of emotional intelligence (EI) on healthcare professionals. It covers the five core domains of EI and how they directly influence patient outcomes, team collaboration, and stress resilience. In addition, evidence-based strategies are presented to enable course participants to enhance their own EI, improve clinical effectiveness, and enhance leadership capabilities in busy healthcare settings.

Disability Inclusion: What Healthcare Providers Need To Know
Presented by Kathryn Sorensen, OTD, OTR/L, ADAC
Video

Presenter

Kathryn Sorensen, OTD, OTR/L, ADAC
Course: #5632Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'Great presentation!'   Read Reviews
As a person with a disability and an occupational therapist, I have a unique perspective of living in two worlds. In this course, I will share my personal experience and things I wish healthcare providers knew and understood about living with a disability.

Writing IEP Goals
Presented by Kim Wiggins, OTR/L
Video

Presenter

Kim Wiggins, OTR/L
Course: #4100Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Very useful and helped me reflect on my own IEP goals - made changes right away!'   Read Reviews
Goal writing can be time consuming and difficult to complete for therapists. This webinar will teach you a step by step process how to write functional goals for students in the school setting.