OBJECTIVE To explore the concept of therapeutic communication within the nurse-patient relationship, using concept analysis. BACKGROUND Therapeutic communication is a term that is often used in the nursing and related sciences literature, and yet it is still an ambiguous concept. Concept clarification is required to support other healthcare professionals' understanding and to guide theory development and practice. METHODS A concept analysis methodology was used, as proposed by Walker and Avant. METHODS A systematic literature search was performed using the Cochrane database, Science Direct, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Academic Search Complete, MEDLINE and PsycARTICLES with studies published within the last 20 years. METHODS The framework by Walker and Avant was adopted. The attributes, antecedents, consequences and uses of the concept were identified. RESULTS The attributes were information exchange, mutual respect, engagement and managing health issues of concern to the patient. The antecedents were those related to the nurse and those related to the patient. The consequences included patient satisfaction, quicker recovery time, high-quality health care outcomes and positive nurse-patient relationship outcomes. CONCLUSIONS A theoretical definition of the concept was developed. The attributes, antecedents and consequences identified in this paper can be used in nursing education, research and managerial and organizational planning.