Therapeutic Communication Techniques 1.

Using silence

Examples The client says: "We drink and smoke a lot here." The student thinkshow can that bedrinking alcohol in a state hospital? But says nothingusing silencethe client then says: "yes we drink a lot of cokes and smoke a lot." "Yes" or "I follow what you said" "I notice you combed your hair." "I'll sit with you awhile." "What would you like to talk about?" "Tell me what's bothering you."

2. Accepting 3. Giving Recognition 4. Offering self 5. Using Broad Openings

6. Using General Leads (using neutral expressions to encourage continued talking by the client)

"Go on.

" Ummm..I am listening"

"Tell me about it" 7. Placing he event in time or sequence "Was this before or after?" "What seemed to lead up to?" 8. Making Observations "You appear tense" "I notice you are biting your lips." 9. Encouraging Description of Perceptions "What do you think is happening to you right now?" Client: "I can't sleep. I stay awake all night." Nurse: "You have difficulty sleeping" 11. Reflecting Patient: "Do you think I should tell the doctor?" Nurse: "Do you think you should tell the doctor?" 12. Focusing "This point seems worth looking at more closely." "You said something earlier that I want you to go back to." 13. Exploring 14. Giving Information 15. Seeking Clarification "Would you describe that more fully." "My name isI am a student nurse.." "What would you say is the main point of what you

10. Restating

said?" 16. Presenting Reality "Your mother is not hereI am a nurse." Patient: "Did you bring my car today?" Nurse: "No, you do not have a car. I drove my car here today." 17.. Voicing Doubt "That's hard to believe." "Really?" 18. Seeking Consensual Validation 19. Verbalizing the Implied 20. Encouraging Evaluation (asking for the client's view of the meaning or importance of something) 21. Attempting to Translate Into Feelings

"How important is it for you to change this behavior?" " From what you say, I suspect you are feeling relieved." "Let's see if we can figure this out.." " Let's see, so far you have said..." "What will it take to reach your goal of not hitting anyone?" "So what do you do each time you drink too much and it's time to go home?" What is the major feeling you have about all men?"

22. Suggested Collaboration 23. Summarizing 24. Encouraging Formulation of a Plan of Action

25. Identifying themes ..asking client to identify recurrent patterns in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors