Therapeutic Communication Techniques Flashcards
Accepting
Indicates that the person has been understood. An accepting statement does not necessarily indicate agreement but is nonjudgmental. (Nurse should not imply understanding when he/she does not understand.)
Ex. “Yes.” “Uh-huh.” “I follow what you say.”
Giving Recognition
Indicates awareness of change and personal efforts. Does not imply good or bad, right or wrong.
Ex. “Good morning, Mr. James.” “You’ve combed your hair today.” “I see you’ve eaten your whole lunch.”
Offering Self
Offers presence, interest, and a desire to understand. Is not offered to get the person to talk or behave in a specific way.
Ex. “I would like to spend time with you.” “I’ll stay here and sit with you awhile.”
Offering General Leads
Allows the other person to take direction in the discussion. Indicates that the nurse is interested in what comes next.
Ex. “Go on.” “And then?” “Tell me about it.”
Giving Broad Openings
Clarifies that the lead is to be taken by the patient. However, the nurse discourages pleasantries and small talk.
Ex. “Where would you like to begin?” “What are you thinking about?” “What would you like to discuss?”
Placing the events in time or sequence
Puts events and actions in better perspective. Notes cause-and-effect relationships and identifies patterns of interpersonal difficulties.
Ex. “What happened before?” “When did this happen?”
Making Observations
Calls attention to the person’s behavior (e.g., trembling, nail biting, restless mannerisms). Encourages patient to notice the behavior and describe thoughts and feelings for mutual understanding. Helpful with mute and withdrawn people.
Ex. “You appear tense.” “I notice you’re biting your lips.” “You appear nervous whenever John enters the room.”
Encouraging description of perception
Increases the nurse’s understanding of the patient’s perceptions. Talking about feelings and difficulties can lessen the need to act them out inappropriately.
Ex. “What do these voices seem to be saying?” “What is happening now?” “Tell me when you feel anxious.”
Encouraging Comparison
Brings out recurring themes in experiences or interpersonal relationships. Helps the person clarify similarities and differences.
Ex. “Has this ever happened before?” “Is this how you felt when…?” “Was it something like…?”
Restating
Repeats the main idea expressed. Gives the patient an idea of what has been communicated. If the message has been misunderstood, the patient can clarify it.
Ex. Patient: “I can’t sleep. I stay awake all night.” Nurse: “You have difficulty sleeping?”
Reflecting
Directs questions, feelings, and ideas back to the patient. Encourages the patient to accept his or her own ideas and feelings. Acknowledges the patient’s right to have opinions and make decisions and encourages the patient to think of self as a capable person.
Ex. Patient: “What should I do about my husband’s affair?” Nurse: “What do you think you should do?”
Focusing
Concentrates attention on a single point. It is especially useful when the patient jumps from topic to topic. If a person is experiencing a severe or panic level anxiety, the nurse should not persist until the anxiety lessens.
Ex. “This point you are making about leaving school seems worth looking at more closely.” “You’ve mentioned many things. Let’s go back to your thinking of ‘ending it all.’”
Exploring
Examines certain ideas, experiences, or relationships more fully. If the patient chooses not to elaborate by answering no, the nurse does not prove or pry. In such a case, the nurse respects the patient’s wishes.
Ex. “Tell me more about that.” “Would you describe it more fully?”
Giving Information
Makes facts the person needs available. Supplies knowledge from which decisions can be made or conclusions drawn. For example, the patient needs to know the role of the nurse, the purpose of the nurse-patient relationship, and the time, place, and duration of the meetings.
Ex. “My purpose for being here is…” “This medication is for…” “The test will determine…”
Seeking Clarification
Helps patients clarify their own thoughts and maximize mutual understanding between nurse and patient.
Ex. “ I am not sure I follow you.” “What would you say is the main point of what you just said?” “Give an example of a time you thought everyone hated you.”
