Emotional Intelligence for Health and Social Care Practice

Emotional intelligence is a critical skill set that enhances therapeutic relationships, fosters resilience, and improves patient outcomes. This practical book introduces the latest research and links it to health and social care practice, equipping readers with the tools needed to navigate the emotional complexities of care.

Health and social care practitioners frequently engage with individuals in distress, requiring them to interpret nonverbal cues, manage challenging behaviours, and respond with empathy. These abilities, all rooted in emotional intelligence, are essential for fostering meaningful therapeutic relationships and improving patient outcomes. Providing a blend of theory, research, and real-world applications, this book introduces the concept of emotional intelligence and explores how it can support effective communication, clinical decision-making, crisis de-escalation, and trauma-informed care. With contributions from leading experts, it integrates evidence-based strategies, reflective exercises, and case studies to support the cultivation of self-awareness, empathy, and resilience.

Focusing on the role of emotional intelligence in both patient care and practitioner well-being, this book empowers readers to harness emotional intelligence as a transformative force in their practice and career growth. It is an essential resource for students and professionals across mental health, nursing, social work, and allied health.

John Hurley is a Professor of Mental Health at Southern Cross University and works clinically with youth mental health services as a credentialed mental health nurse. He also has extensive clinical experience in crisis and home treatment services and is a gestalt psychotherapist and GENOS emotional intelligence assessor. John has over 100 international peer-reviewed publications and is a Fellow of the Australian College of Mental Health Nursing and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. His research focus is on mental health workforce capability, emotional intelligence, and young people’s mental health.

Paul Linsley is an Associate Professor in Nursing Sciences at the University of East Anglia and a registered clinical specialist with extensive experience in mental health. He has published widely on values-based, person-centered approaches that enhance understanding, empathy, and recovery. His research explores how storytelling, reflection, and human-centered practices can improve mental health outcomes and support compassionate care. As the author of several internationally translated textbooks, Linsley’s work bridges rigorous academic research with practical insights, emphasising the importance of emotional awareness, relational intelligence, and ethical practice in professional and personal development.