Purpose: to study the significance of 'therapeutic relationship' between nurses and patients within the context of a psychiatric hospital. Method: narrative literature review. Content analysis. Findings: the significance of the therapeutic relationship is quite similar for both nurses and patients in psychiatric hospital units. Nevertheless, several factors may separate the two positions: the time available for the relationship, the negative perceptions on the part of both parties, and the insecurity of the setting. Practice implications: increased knowledge and understanding of the significance of the therapeutic relationship from the perspective of nurses and patients would allow the strengthening of areas of mutual interest.