Therapeutic Communication Techniques Table 9.2 Flashcards
Silence
Gives the person time to collect thoughts or think through a point.
Examples of Silence
Encouraging a person to talk by waiting for the answers.
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.
Examples of offering self
“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.
Examples of Offering General leads
“Go on.”
“And then?”
“Tell me about it.”
Making Observations
Calls attention to the person’s behavior.
Encourages the patient to notice the behavior and describe thoughts and feelings for mutual understanding.
Helpful with mute and withdrawn people.
Examples of Making Observations
“You appear tense.”
“I notice you’re biting your lips.”
“You seem nervous whenever Kaylen walks in the room.”
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.
Examples of Restating
Patient: “I can’t sleep. I stay awake all night.”
Nurse: “You have difficulty sleeping?”
or
Patient: “I don’t know… he always has some excuse for not coming over or keeping our appointments.”
Reflecting
Direct questions, feelings, and ideas back to the patient. Encourages the patient to accept personal ideas and feelings.
Acknowledges the patient’s right to have opinions and make decisions and encourages the patient to think of oneself as a capable person.
Example of Reflecting
Patient: “What should I do about my husband’s affair?”
Nurse: “What do you think you should do?”
or
Patient: “My brother spends all of my money and then has the nerve to ask for more.”
Nurse: “You feel angry when this happens?”
Exploring
Examines certain ideas, experiences, or relationships more fully.
If the patient chooses not to elaborate by answering no, the nurse does not probe or pry. The nurse respects their wishes.
Examples of Exploring
“Tell me more about that.”
“Would you describe it more fully?”
“Could you talk about how it was that you learned your mom was dying of cancer?”