Therapeutic Communication

Front 1

Focusing

Back 1

Nurse guides client ito giving more detail on a certain issue... "Describe how you felt when..." "Tell me more about this anxious feeling."

Front 2

Validation/Clarification

Back 2

Verifying that listener has heard sender accurately. "What I hear you saying is that....Is that correct?"

Front 3

Sequencing

Back 3

PLaces events in order for listener's/client's understanding. "Did your depressed feelings begin before or after your divorce?"

Front 4

General Leads

Back 4

Short words/phrases or non-verbals that encourage client to continue talking. "Go on." "Mmm..." "Yes," affirming nods, gestures

Front 5

Silence

Back 5

A pause in which listener remains attentive, but not intrusive into client's thoughts. Allows nurse to observe client as he gathers thoughts

Front 6

Summarizing

Back 6

Used at end of an inteaction to review important issues. "So we've talked about 3 ways that may help you manage your anxiety."

Front 7

Verbalizing implied thoughts/feelings

Back 7

Nurse voices thoughts/feelings that client hinted at, but may not be aware of. "It sounds like you really felt humiliated..."

Front 8

Acknowledging feelings

Back 8

Lets client know his feelings are understood and accepted. "It's no wonder that you felt so overwhelmed."

Front 9

Giving information

Back 9

Providing information that may be helpful o a client, or which he has requested. "Here are some techniques that have helped other smokers."

Front 10

Seeking information

Back 10

Nurse requests data from client about feelings events, etc. "When is it that you feel the most angry?"

Front 11

Voicing Doubt

Back 11

Nurse verbalizes concern abot truth or accuracy of something client says. "Do you think that losing 20 lbs would solve all your problems?"

Front 12

Touch

Back 12

Conveys empathy when used appropriately

Front 13

Humor

Back 13

Use carefully after rapport and trust is established

Front 14

Immediacy

Back 14

Nurse confronts incongruency between client's behavior and comments "You say your happy, but your frowning... can ou tell me more?"

Front 15

Reframing

Back 15

Helps client see things from a different (often more positive) perspective. "What are some good things that could come out of your illness?"

Front 16

Feedback

Back 16

Giving information to the client abot his actions, attitudes, or ideas. "I think you understand all but one aspect of your diabetes: the need to exercise."

Front 17

Boundaries

Back 17

Separating self from client by pointing out behaviors that are/aren't appropriate. "It's inappropriate for me to date you but thanks for asking."

Front 18

Offering self

Back 18

Making self available to listen t the client. "I've got time to listen to you right now, if you like." "Let's sit down an talk his over."

Front 19

Emotional catharsis

Back 19

Client begis verbalizing feelings, thoughts, or behaviors that are troubling him, often as a result of nurse's encouragement.

Front 20

Self-disclosure

Back 20

Honest, personal statements that nurse makes to client when nurse has experiencd feelings, or situations similar to those of client. Must be pertinent.

Front 21

Offering alternaives

Back 21

Helping the client consider and explore other options. "Have you thought of?" "Maybe it would be useful to consider..."