Therapeutic Communication

Question 1

How do you communicate with someone that is having hallucinations

Answer 1

• validate their existence early
• provide reality testing
• assess the content and do not reinforce with further discussion
• use and teach distraction techniques
• contract with patient not to harm self of other if experiencing command hallucinations and monitor to intervene if acting on them

Question 2

How do you communicate with someone that is delusional

Answer 2

• clarify meaning, focus on underlying terms and monitor patient for acting on delusions

Question 3

Define transference and countertransference

Answer 3

• Transference is subconsciously associating a person in the present with a past relationship. For example, you meet a new client who reminds you of a former lover.
• Countertransference is responding to them with all the thoughts and feelings attached to that past relationship