therapeutic communication techniques

Question 1

silence

Answer 1

gives the person time to collect thoughts or think through a point

Question 2

accepting

Answer 2

-indicates that the person has been understood
-not an agreement, but an understanding

Question 3

accepting examples

Answer 3

-“yes”
-“uh-huh”
-“I follow what you say”

Question 4

giving recognition

Answer 4

indicates awareness of change and personal efforts

Question 5

giving recognition examples

Answer 5

-“Good morning, Mr James”
-“you’ve combed your hair today”

Question 6

offering self

Answer 6

offers presence, interest, and desire to understand

Question 7

offering self examples

Answer 7

-“I would like to spend more time with you”
-“I’ll sit here and sit with you a while”

Question 8

offering general leads

Answer 8

allows the other person to take direction in the discussion

Question 9

offering general leads examples

Answer 9

-“go on”
-“and then?”
-“tell me about it”

Question 10

giving broad openings

Answer 10

clarifies that the lead is to be taken by the patient

Question 11

giving broad openings examples

Answer 11

-“where would you like to begin?”
-“what are you thinking about?”