Therapeutic Communication Techniques Table 9.2

Question 1

Silence

Answer 1

Gives the person time to collect thoughts or think through a point.

Question 2

Examples of Silence

Answer 2

Encouraging a person to talk by waiting for the answers.

Question 3

Offering Self

Answer 3

Offers presence, interest, and a desire to understand. Is not offered to get the person to talk or behave in a specific way.

Question 4

Examples of offering self

Answer 4

“I would like to spend time with you.”
“I’ll stay here and sit with you awhile.”

Question 5

Offering General Leads

Answer 5

Allows the other person to take direction in the discussion. Indicates that the nurse is interested in what comes next.

Question 6

Examples of Offering General leads

Answer 6

“Go on.”
“And then?”
“Tell me about it.”

Question 7

Making Observations

Answer 7

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Helpful with mute and withdrawn people.

Question 8

Examples of Making Observations

Answer 8

“You appear tense.”
“I notice you’re biting your lips.”
“You seem nervous whenever Kaylen walks in the room.”

Question 9

Restating

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

Examples of Restating

Answer 10

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.”

Question 11

Reflecting

Answer 11

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.

Question 12

Example of Reflecting

Answer 12

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?”

Question 13

Exploring

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

Examples of Exploring

Answer 14

“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?”