Abstract

Effective communication remains a cornerstone of quality healthcare delivery, particularly in fostering positive interpersonal relationships among counsellors and between healthcare providers and patients. This paper examines communication in healthcare delivery from a psychological perspective, emphasizing its role in building trust, enhancing collaboration, and improving patient outcomes. The study adopts a systematic literature review methodology, drawing on recent scholarly works (2021–2026) sourced from Scopus-indexed databases, Google Scholar, PubMed, and African journals. Findings indicate that communication in healthcare is influenced by cognitive processes, emotional intelligence, cultural context, and interpersonal dynamics. Counsellors play a critical role in promoting therapeutic communication through active listening, empathy, and culturally responsive engagement. The study identifies key psychological approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Theory, humanistic theory, and psychological safety frameworks, as essential in shaping effective communication behaviours. In the Nigerian context, barriers such as cultural diversity, stigma, hierarchical healthcare structures, and inadequate training in communication skills continue to hinder effective healthcare interactions. However, counsellors are strategically positioned to address these challenges through advocacy, training, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The findings further reveal that strong interpersonal relationships among counsellors and healthcare professionals contribute to improved teamwork, reduced conflict, and enhanced patient-centered care. The study concludes that integrating psychological principles into healthcare communication practices can significantly improve service delivery and patient satisfaction. It recommends curriculum reforms, continuous professional development, and policy support for communication training in healthcare systems. Overall, the paper highlights the importance of psychologically informed communication strategies in building positive interpersonal relationships and strengthening healthcare delivery systems