therapeutic communication

1. TECHNIQUES OF
THERAPEUTIC
COMMUNICATION
BY,
17NS030

2. LISTENING
•It is an active process of receiving information.
•Responses includes maintaining eye contact,
nodding ,gesturing and other non-verbal
communication convey to the patient that he is
being listened to and understood.

3. BROAD OPENINGS
•Encouraging the patient to select topics for
discussion
•Example:
“What are you thinking about?”

4. RESTATING
•Repeating the main thought expressed by the
patient
•Example:
“you say that your mother left you when you
were 5 years old.”

5. SEEKING CLARIFICATION
•Asking patient to elaborate or give examples of
ideas or feelings to seek clarification of what is
unclear.
•Example:
“ I am not familiar with your work, can you
describe it further for me.”

6. REFLECTING
•Throwing back the patients statement in a form of
question that helps patient to identify feelings.
•Example: Patient: I think I should leave now.
Nurse: Do you think you should leave now.

7. FOCUSING
•Pursuing a topic until its meaning or importance
is clear.
•Example:
You were saying…..”

8. IDENTIFYING THEMES
•Asking to identify recurring thoughts, feelings,
behaviors.
•Example:
when do you always feel the need to check the
locks and doors.

9. INFORMING
•The skill of information giving.
•Example:
“ I think you need to know more about your
medications.”

10. HUMOUR AND SILENCE
• HUMOUR : Discharge of energy through
cosmic enjoyment of imperfection.
•SILENCE: Lack of verbal communication for a
therapeutic reason.

11. SUGGESTING
•Presenting of alternative ideas for the patient to
problem solving.
•Example:
“ Have you thought about responding to your
boss in a different way when he raises that issues
with you?

12. SHARING PERCEPTION
•Asking the patient to verify the nurses
understanding of what the patient is thinking or
feeling.
•Example:
“ You are smiling but I sense that you are angry
with me.”