
What Is Therapeutic Communication?
- Defined. Therapeutic communication is a form of psychotherapy that uses verbal and nonverbal techniques. ...
- Significance. ...
- Uses. ...
- Types. ...
- Considerations. ...
What are some examples of therapeutic communication?
What are some examples of therapeutic communication?
- Using Silence. At times, it's useful to not speak at all.
- Accepting.
- Giving Recognition.
- Offering Self.
- Giving Broad Openings.
- Active Listening.
- Seeking Clarification.
- Placing the Event in Time or Sequence.
What are the techniques of therapeutic communication?
Using Therapeutic Communication Techniques to Provide Client Support
- Attentive, Active Listening. Active listening is an essential part of communication. ...
- Silence. Similar to listening, silence is a purposeful active process rather than a passive process. ...
- Focusing. ...
- Using Open Ended Questions. ...
- Clarification. ...
- Exploring. ...
- Paraphrasing. ...
- Restating. ...
- Reflection. ...
- Providing Leads to the Patient. ...
What are the different types of therapeutic communication?
- Assess verbal and nonverbal client communication needs
- Respect the client's personal values and beliefs
- Allow time to communicate with the client
- Use therapeutic communication techniques to provide client support
- Encourage the client to verbalize feelings (e.g., fear, discomfort)
- Evaluate the effectiveness of communications with the client
What are the characteristics of therapeutic communication?
- Abstract. Dental stem cells (DSCs), an important source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), can be easily obtained by minimally invasive procedures and have been used for the treatment of various ...
- Introduction. To date, multiple subpopulations of DSCs have been investigated (Fig. ...
- DSC-EVs as potential saviors for the treatment of diseases. ...
- Conclusion. ...

What is an example of therapeutic communication?
An example of therapeutic nursing communication is when that same nurse also communicates why they are performing the tasks and asks the patient if they have any concerns or questions, speaks in a congenial and welcoming manner, and indicates through body language that the patient's viewpoints are respected.
What is the main purpose of therapeutic communication?
The purpose of therapeutic communication, then, is to help clinicians build trust with patients while also helping clinicians and patients collaborate efficiently and effectively toward the patient's physical and emotional wellness.
What are 7 different therapeutic communication techniques?
Therapeutic communication techniques such as active listening, silence, focusing, using open ended questions, clarification, exploring, paraphrasing, reflecting, restating, providing leads, summarizing, acknowledgment, and the offering of self, will be described below.
What are 3 characteristics of therapeutic communication?
To have an effective therapeutic communication, the nurse must consider privacy and respect of boundaries, use of touch and active listening and observation.
What is the most important factor in therapeutic communication?
Therapeutic communication, including listening, is the most important skill in establishing interpersonal relationship with patients in psychiatric wards. During therapeutic communication, a relationship is built between patient and student through empathy.
What is therapeutic communication essay?
Therapeutic communication is a practice in which the nurse deliberately controls a client or assists the client to an improved understanding through verbal or nonverbal interaction.
What are 5 communication techniques?
Five Types of CommunicationVerbal Communication. Verbal communication occurs when we engage in speaking with others. ... Non-Verbal Communication. What we do while we speak often says more than the actual words. ... Written Communication. ... Listening. ... Visual Communication.
What are the components of therapeutic communication?
The five key components of the therapeutic nurse-client relationship are professional intimacy, power, empathy, respect and trust. Regardless of the context, length of interaction and whether the nurse is the primary or secondary care provider, these components are always present.
What is therapeutic communication PDF?
Therapeutic communication is a process in which the nurse consciously influences on the patient or helps them in better understanding through verbal and nonverbal communication, while encouraging patients to express their feelings and ideas, which is an important prerequisite for the realization of relation of mutual ...
How many types of therapeutic communication are there?
There are two types of therapeutic communication: verbal and nonverbal.
What is therapeutic communication?
Defined. Therapeutic communication is a form of psychotherapy that uses verbal and nonverbal techniques. Through face-to-face communication, you are the primary focus of this type of therapy. A clinician will use verbal and nonverbal techniques to assist you with finding the root cause of a problem in a nonjudgmental way, ...
How does therapeutic communication help in the health care field?
These techniques help the patient and health-care professional develop rapport and trust with one another during a medical office visit, or when the patient is admitted in the hospital. Therapeutic communication is widely used in the health care field, especially in mental health.
Why is it important to have open communication with a therapist?
The importance of a therapist's role in asking for further clarification when needed helps prevent a misunderstanding between the therapist and patient . This open communication promotes a genuine and continual concern for what the patient is expressing. Finding a clinician with the ability to develop therapeutic communication skills by verbal and nonverbal cues relies on a constant growth in observational skills and continual understanding of human behaviors.
What are the tools of communication?
Communication tools used every day in life include verbal transference, such as that from a mother to a child using supportive and loving words, or nonverbal communication, like a pat on the back.
What are some examples of therapeutic techniques?
General leads , broad statements, making observations and silence are common examples of therapeutic techniques. (Reference 1) General leads are neutral expressions used to entice the client to continue talking. For instance, the phrase “tell me about it” is a general lead expression used between client and clinician.
Why is silence important in therapy?
Silence also allows the therapist to observe the patient for any nonverbal cues. In addition, another method used for therapeutic communication includes expressing thoughts and feelings by sharing observations .
When is communication considered therapeutic?
Communication, a dynamic interpersonal process, is deemed as effective and therapeutic when all conveyed messages are fully comprehended by the receiver and when all feedback is conveyed by the receiver of the message to the sender of the message is also completely comprehended.
What is the process of communication?
Communication is a human, interactive process that sends some meaning, information, message, emotions, and/or beliefs from one human being to another person or to a group of people. Connectedness and interrelationships between and among human beings occur because communication occurs.
How to help a client with a phobia?
Respect the client's personal values and beliefs. Use therapeutic communication techniques to provide client support. Encourage the client to verbalize feelings (e.g., fear, discomfort) Evaluate the effectiveness of communications with the client.
What does a nurse do when a client is not responsive?
For example, the nurse may communicate with a nonresponsive client with touch to communicate caring and the presence of the nurse, and they may use pictures to communicate messages to a client who is not able to receive and process verbal communication.
How can communication be impeded?
Communication can be impeded when the client views the health care professional as the one that is in the position of power and control rather than a person who is mutually exchanging a message with the client who is the center of care and the person who is actually in the position of power and decision making, rather than the nurse or another health care professional.
How does culture affect communication?
Culture, in addition to many other things, also influences the person's use of terms and terminology as well as their perceptions of nonverbal messages. Some cultures view eye contact, touch and proxemics in a manner that is not shared by the nurse and clients of different cultures. Some cultures view eye contact, touch and close proximity as culturally acceptable and therapeutic, but other cultures may perceive and believe that eye contact, touch and close proximity are offensive.
What is silence in nursing?
Similar to listening, silence is a purposeful active process rather than a passive process . Senders and receivers of the message take advantage of brief pauses of silence to think about and reflect on the full meaning of received message and to contemplate and reflect on how to respond to the sent message with feedback. Silence is a therapeutic communication technique that is also very helpful when the nurse wants to give the client ample time to fully and openly discuss their feelings, opinions and beliefs, however, prolonged silence may be interpreted by the client as a lack of interest on the part of the nurse so silence, in order to remain therapeutic, must be of an appropriate duration so that it does not adversely affect the client and the therapeutic nurse-client relationship.
What is therapeutic communication?
Therapeutic communication as a concept emerged early in medicine and has since shown significant benefits borne out in research. Two of the earliest reported cases of therapeutic communication, which primarily involved the idea of the therapeutic relationship and the benefits of such a relationship, were documented during the moral treatment era ...
Who were the two prominent figures in interpersonal theory and communication?
In the 1950s, Harry Stack Sullivan and Jurgen Ruesch, prominent figures in interpersonal theory and communication, respectively, both published the importance of communication in providing therapeutic benefit, specifically in mental illness. Other significant contributors to the concept of therapeutic communication and related topics include Carl Rogers, Hildegard Peplau, and Tudor.
What is therapeutic communication?
Therapeutic communication is a collection of techniques that prioritize the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of patients. Nurses provide patients with support and information while maintaining a level of professional distance and objectivity. With therapeutic communication, nurses often use open-ended statements and questions, ...
Why is communication important for nurses?
Because nurses are likely to have the most direct contact with patients, effective nurse-patient communication is critical. Nurses can utilize proven therapeutic communication techniques that promote quality care.
How to help nurses establish rapport?
Because hospitals can be stressful places for patients, sharing hope that they can persevere through their current situation and lightening the mood with humor can help nurses establish rapport quickly . This technique can keep patients in a more positive state of mind.
Why is asking patients for clarification important?
Similar to active listening, asking patients for clarification when they say something confusing or ambiguous is important. Saying something like “I’m not sure I understand. Can you explain it to me?” helps nurses ensure they understand what’s actually being said and can help patients process their ideas more thoroughly.
How to encourage patients to continue talking?
Active Listening. By using nonverbal and verbal cues such as nodding and saying “I see,” nurses can encourage patients to continue talking. Active listening involves showing interest in what patients have to say, acknowledging that you’re listening and understanding, and engaging with them throughout the conversation.
Why is it important to use confrontation in nursing?
Nurses should only apply this technique after they have established trust. It can be vital to the care of patients to disagree with them, present them with reality, or challenge their assumptions. Confrontation, when used correctly, can help patients break destructive routines or understand the state of their situation.
What is recognition in medicine?
Recognition acknowledges a patient’s behavior and highlights it without giving an overt compliment. A compliment can sometimes be taken as condescending, especially when it concerns a routine task like making the bed. However, saying something like “I noticed you took all of your medications” draws attention to the action and encourages it without requiring a compliment.
How to use therapeutic communication?
To effectively employ therapeutic communication, nurses must take the time to build a relationship with their patients. Nurses must also balance providing an empathetic relationship with being professional. Professionalism requires maintenance of boundaries in conversation and focusing the conversation on the patient. Therapeutic conversation is always centered on the patient, and should never shift focus on to the nurse.
Why is therapeutic communication important in nursing?
By utilizing therapeutic communication, patients can feel more comfortable discussing their care openly, and be more apt to discuss any symptoms, patient goals, or care concerns they may have. In addition, patients who trust their nurses are more likely to work with their nurses to meet treatment goals. Thus, building rapport through therapeutic communication is an essential part of providing effective nursing care.
What does a nurse do in a therapeutic conversation?
In so doing, the nurse offers the patient the chance to reflect on the information that has been provided in the therapeutic conversation. This draws the patient in and gives him or her an active role in the discussion.
What is active listening in nursing?
Active listening is when a nurse uses verbal and nonverbal communication cues to show interest in what the patient is saying.
How does Janelle start a conversation with a patient?
Janelle begins by introducing herself and asking if the patient has a moment to chat. When the patient agrees, she pulls up a chair so she can be eye-level with the patient. She leans forward, maintains eye contact, and relaxes her body posture to help the patient feel more relaxed. This is active listening.
How effective is silence in nursing?
Silence can be a very effective communication technique in nursing practice. In silence, the patient has the chance to ask questions, elaborate on any other statements, and provide the nurse with additional, relevant information. Silence also gives the patient the time to process and set the pace and direction of the conversation. Instead of trying to fill the silence, the nurse should wait for the patient to break the silence and see what he or she chooses to say.
What is therapeutic communication?
Therapeutic communication is more than just effectively exchanging information with a patient. When a healthcare professional practices therapeutic communication, they help better the patient’s understanding of their situation through both verbal and nonverbal cues.
How does therapeutic communication help patients?
When nurses and other healthcare professionals practice therapeutic communication, they help put patients at ease and create a safer, more comfortable space to give and receive care. Just as importantly, therapeutic communication helps patients and healthcare professionals work together better. For example, when a patient is more comfortable speaking up and explaining their circumstances, professionals can gain a better assessment of their health and needs. This leads to fewer errors throughout treatment. Therapeutic communication can even continue to benefit patients long after they leave the medical facility. When patients feel more confident in their healthcare providers, they’ll more likely adhere to any follow-up instructions and guidelines they may receive.
Why is comfort important in healthcare?
Comfort, reliability, and solid communication are all critical to creating a safe and productive relationship between patients and health professionals .
When did therapeutic communication start?
Therapeutic communication as a concept emerged early in medicine and has since shown significant benefits borne out in research. Two of the earliest reported cases of therapeutic communication, which primarily involved the idea of the therapeutic relationship and the benefits of such a relationship, were documented during the moral treatment era of asylums.[1] Both of the patients were admitted in 1791 and 1800, and both responded to moral treatment, despite having severe symptomatology.
How does therapeutic communication improve patient satisfaction?
The mechanism by which therapeutic communication improves patient satisfaction is thought to occur by fulfilling the patient’s expectations and values for the encounter.
Why is interprofessional communication important?
In addition, frequent and effective interprofessional communication is important to enhance treatment and prevent splitting behaviors in patients, where some providers may be considered " good" and others " bad." This is done by providing clear and consistent treatment recommendations that are from a “unified front,” as well as a consistent message of compassionate treatment from all team members. Therapeutic communication can facilitate this through the use of consistent empathetic approaches provided by each healthcare team member.
What is the theory of interpersonal relations?
Of note, Hildegard Peplau published her original paper in 1952 and later published subsequent reviews and revisions in 1991 and 1997, which provided a foundation for the concept of therapeutic communication.[6] This theory, named “Theory of Interpersonal Relations,” was founded on integrating knowledge of Sullivan’s interpersonal theory, as well as psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, and nurse therapy.[8] Peplau's theory described multiple “phases” of the interaction and considered the relationship as a primary mediator for the healing process. The importance of the relationship to healing is accepted in common factors of psychotherapy research as a factor with empirical support.[9] Other theorists include Travelbee, Rogers, and King, who have all contributed to the field of therapeutic communication. [10]
Why is it important to recognize differences between patients?
Simultaneously, identifying and appreciating individual differences between patients is often considered important, as these differences account for many healthcare outcomes . [21][22] Commonly cited examples of such differences include social determinants of health and personality characteristics. In these ways, effective communication with individual patients can depend on a number of factors.[23] The following techniques of therapeutic communication must therefore be understood as general guidelines to patient-provider interactions. Providers can use these general guidelines as a foundational approach from which an individualized approach to communication can be used for specific patients.
How to develop a shared understanding with patients with psychosis?
One way to develop a shared understanding with patients with psychosis is to understand the meaning of the psychotic experiences to the patient, rather than focusing on the nature and content of the experiences themselves.[41] This might include active listening for the patient’s feelings about their beliefs and experiences and validating distress around these experiences. A specific approach in literature termed Communication Skills Training (CST) has been cited as potentially beneficial, though further research is necessary. [42]
How does psychosis affect communication?
Finally, psychosis presents a challenging communication barrier, especially concerning hallucinations and delusions. Development of a shared understanding in the setting of psychotic experiences becomes particularly challenging, both from the standpoint of the patient communicating their concerns to the provider and the provider reflecting an understanding of these concerns.[40] From the provider’s standpoint, a conflict can emerge whether to respond in a manner that “colludes” with the psychotic experiences or to challenge them. Communication analysis has been used previously to analyze these encounters and has demonstrated a frequent pattern in which the patient tries to negotiate the meaning of the psychotic stimuli. [41]
