Barriers to Communication

Question 1

Stereotyping

Answer 1

responses that categorize clients and negate their uniqueness as individuals.

Question 2

Agreeing and disagreeing

Answer 2

similar to judgmental responses, agreeing and disagreeing imply that the client is either right or wrong; prevents the client from thinking through their position & may cause a client to become defensive.

Question 3

Being defensive

Answer 3

attempting to protect a person or health care services from negative comments.

Question 4

Challenging

Answer 4

giving a response that makes clients prove their statement or point of view; this makes the client feel it necessary to defend a position.

Question 5

Probing

Answer 5

asking for information chiefly out of curiosity rather than with the intent to assist the client; asking “why”

Question 6

Testing

Answer 6

asking questions that make the client admit to something.

Question 7

Rejecting

Answer 7

refusing to discuss certain topics with the client.

Question 8

Changing topics and subjects

Answer 8

directing the communication into areas of self-interest rather than considering the client’s concerns is often a self-protective response to a topic that causes anxiety.

Question 9

Unwarranted reassurance

Answer 9

using cliches or comforting statements of advice as a means to reassure the client.

Question 10

Passing judgment

Answer 10

giving opinions and approving or disapproving responses, moralizing, or implying one’s own values.

Question 11

Giving common advice

Answer 11

telling the client what to do.