Therapeutic Communication Techniques vs. Non-therapeutic Communication Techniques

THERAPEUTIC: Gives the client the opportunity to collect & organize thoughts, to think through a point, or to consider introducing a topic of greater concern than the one being discussed. - Answer - Using silence THERAPEUTIC: Conveys an attitude of reception & regard. EXAMPLE: "Yes, I understand what you said." Eye contact; nodding. - Answer - Accepting THERAPEUTIC: Acknowledging; indicating awareness; better than complimenting, which reflects the nurse's judgement . EXAMPLE: "Hello, Mr. J. I notice that you made a ceramic ash tray in OT." "I see you made your bed." - Answer - Giving Recognition THERAPEUTIC: Making oneself available on an unconditional basis, increasing client's feelings of self-worth EXAMPLE: "I'll stay with you awhile." "We can eat our lunch together." "I'm interested in you." - Answer - Offering Self THERAPEUTIC: Allows the client to take the initiative in introducing the topic; emphasizes the importance of the client's role in the interaction. EXAMPLE: "What would you like to talk about today?" "Tell me what you are thinking?" - Answer - Giving Broad Openings THERAPEUTIC: Offers the client encouragement to continue. EXAMPLE: "Yes, I see." "Go on." "And after that?" - Answer - Offering General Leads THERAPEUTIC: Clarifies the relationship of events in time so that the nurse & client can view them in perspective. EXAMPLE: "What seemed to lead u