Table 1 ‘Ingredients’ of person-centeredness as a dichotomy between experiences of absence and lack of ‘Space’

“Holism”

My providers acknowledge me as a whole person

My providers treat me as a set of clinical symptoms instead of a whole person

“Naming”

My providers acknowledge me as a unique, named, equal, respected person, and treat me with respect and dignity; I am seen and heard

I feel a ‘number’ instead of a named person; I feel unimportant, ignored, patronized, overlooked, unseen, unheard

“Heed”

My providers listen and pay heed to me; they allow me enough time to be able to speak, to tell my unique story; they provide me with comprehensive clinical judgment.

I am rushed to finish the appointment

“Compassion”

My providers care for me authentically, warmly and compassionately

My providers don’t really care about me

“Agency and Empowerment“

I am involved in care, I am informed, in control, and able to make decisions.

I feel a passive recipient of care

“Continuity of care”

I see the same clinician every time each time I come; someone knows about me

I can’t see the same clinician each time; nobody knows about me