Download TEN COMMON THERAPEUTIC TECHNIQUES OF COMMUNICATION

TEN COMMON THERAPEUTIC TECHNIQUES OF COMMUNICATION
TECHNIQUE
1. Exploring.
DEFINITION
Obtaining all pertinent data on a
particular subject or feeling.
PURPOSE
1. To increase the level of selfperception of the participants.
2. Clarifying.
Attempting to find the meaning
of a communication.
1. Establish mutual
understanding.
2. Identify common meanings
associated with terms.
3. Facilitate recognition of
individual differences.
3. Reflecting.
Conveying back to the sender
his expressed thoughts and
related feelings.
1. Acknowledge message has
been received.
2. Demonstrate searching for
understanding.
3. Promote objectivity in
determining meaning of
message.
4. Focussing.
5. Informing.
Concentrating on a specific
thought or feeling regarding a
particular point.
Responding to direct questions
with needed facts.
EXAMPLE
P. I heard the doctor talking about me in the
hall.
N. Tell me about the incident.
P.I don’t feel well today.
N. What seems to be the matter?
P. I have been told I can go home on the
weekend.
N. How do you feel about that?
P. Gone are the days when things were
simple.
N. I’m not sure I understand what you are
trying to tell me.
P. She just burns me up.
N. She makes you angry?
P. I finished my project.
N. That sounds like a weight off your mind.
1.Draw attention of sender to
significant data.
2.Encourage separation of
irrelevant and relevant data.
3.Sustain goal-oriented
communication.
4.Interrupt and forestall rapid
subject changes.
P. They said I can go home.
N. Who are “they”?
1.Share knowledge.
2.Promote understanding.
3.Make facts clear.
4.Build trust.
P. What time do I go to X-Ray?
N. You will be leaving about nine o’clock.
P. Tom is always picking on me.
N. Can you give me an example?
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TECHNIQUE
6. Using Silence.
DEFINITION
Communication without
verbalisation.
7. Validating.
Confirming one’s observations
and interpretation.
8.Evaluating.
Assessing the significance of a
communication.
9. Summarising
Developing a concise resume of
the communicated message.
10. Minimal
verbal response.
Brief, usually single word.
PURPOSE
1.Convey interest, acceptance,
understanding.
2.Allow sender to assume
initiative.
3.Provide sender with time to
sort and collect thoughts.
4. Emphasise point.
5. Allow relief from
emotionally charged content.
6. Provide an opportunity to
introduce new idea or thoughts.
1.Avoid making assumptions.
2.Verify cues.
3.Arrive at mutual
understanding that increases
rapport and establishes a basis
for collaboration.
1.Determine progress.
2. Acknowledge differences.
3.Provide feedback from which
clarification and understanding
is derived.
1.Determine progress.
2.Promote clarification.
3.Maintain a point of interest.
4.Provide a basis for developing
a plan of action.
5. Bring discussion of a
particular subject to a
conclusion.
1.Encourage further
communication.
2.Provide feedback.
3.Show interest.
EXAMPLE
P. My mother has been saying that she
doesn’t want me home permanently. That’s
not a good feeling.
N. Remain Silent.
P. They always got me out before.
I’d love to go home, that’s for sure.
P. They’re always yelling at each other and
at me.
N. It must be hard for you when everybody
is yelling.
P. I’m getting better.
N. In what ways do you feel better?
P. That’s all I have to say today.
N. O.K., today we’ve discussed …
P. That nurse makes me angry.
N. Yes?
Adapted from: Haber, J., Krainovich – Miller, B., McMahon, A. L., & Price – Hoskins, P. (1997). The Therapeutic Relationship in Comprehensive Psychiatric Nursing. (5th Ed) (Chapter Nine, 147 –
159), St Louis: Mosby. AND Birckhead, L.M. (1989). Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Therapeutic Use of Self. Philadelphia:Lippincott.
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