TECHNIQUES*OF*THERAPEUTIC*COMMUNICATION!
Technique!
Description!
Example!
*Broad*opening*
statements*
To*allow*the*patient*to*pick*the*topic,*
take*the*initiative*to*express*self,*and*
set*the*direction*of*the*conversation.*
Where*would*you*like*to*begin?*
What*is*on*your*mind*today?*
What*are*you*thinking*about?*
Is*there*anything*you*would*like*to*discuss?*
Offering*general*
leads*
Encourages*the*client*to*continue*
and*that*the*nurse*is*interested*in*
what*comes*next.*
Go*on.*
And*then?*
Tell*me*about*it.*
*
Exploring*
Examines*certain*ideas,*experiences,*
or*relationships*more*fully.*
Tell*me*more*about*that.*
What*kind*of*relationship*do*you*have*with*
your*children?*
Could*you*talk*about*how*you*felt*when*you*
learned*you*had*cancer?*
Focusing*
Helps*the*patient*focus*on*a*certain*
point*when*they*are*jumping*from*
topic*to*topic.*
Let’s*stop*and*look*more*closely*at*your*
feelings*about*managing*your*medications.*
You’ve*mentioned*many*things.**Let’s*go*
back*to*your*thinking*of*“giving*up”.*
Silence*
Provides*time*for*the*patient*to*put*
thoughts*or*feelings*into*words,*
regain*composure*or*continue*
talking.*
Maintain*an*interested,*expectant*silence.*
Accepting*
Indicated*the*patient*has*been*
understood.**It*does*not*indicate*
agreement*and*is*nonjudgmental.*
UhVhmm.*
Yes.*
I’m*following*you.*
Nodding.*
Giving*
recognition*
Indicated*awareness*of*change*in*
personal*efforts.**Does*not*imply*
good*or*bad,*right*or*wrong.*
Good*morning,*Mr.*Jones.*
I*see*you*have*put*on*your*jewelry*today.*
You’ve*finished*your*list*of*things*to*do.*
*
Offering*self*
Offers*presence,*interest,*and*a*
desire*to*listen*to*the*patient.*
I’ll*sit*with*you*her*for*a*while.*
I*would*like*to*spend*some*time*with*you.*
I’m*available*if*you*need*to*talk.*
*
Making*
observations*
Calls*attention*to*the*patient’s*
physical*behavior*or*emotional*state.**
Verbalizing*what*the*nurse*
perceives.*
You*appear*tense.*
I*noticed*that*you*are*biting*your*lip.*
You*seem*upset.*
You*are*trembling.*
Restating/*
Paraphrasing*
Repeating*the*main*idea*in*order*to*
be*sure*the*patient*has*been*
understood.*
Restating*another’s*message*more*
briefly*using*one’s*own*words.*
Patient:*“I*have*been*tossing*and*turning*all*
night.”**Nurse:*“You*are*having*difficulty*
sleeping.”*
Patient:*“I*just*give*up.”**Nurse:*“You*don’t*
see*the*point*of*trying*anymore.”*
Patient:**“I’ve*been*overweight*all*my*life*
and*never*had*any*problems.**I*can’t*
understand*why*I*need*to*be*on*a*diet.*“*
Nurse:*“You*are*not*convinced*that*you*need*
a*diet*because*you’ve*stayed*healthy.”*
*
Reflecting*
Directing*questions,*feelings*and*
ideas*back*to*the*patient.**
Patient:*“What*do*you*think*I*should*do*
about*telling*my*employer*about*my*
