THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES

Technique Examples
Accepting- indicating reception “Yes.”
“I follow what you said.”
Nodding

Broad Openings- allowing the client to take “Is there something you’d like to talk about?”
the initiative in introducing the topic “Where would you like to begin?”

Consensual validation- searching for “Tell me whether my understanding of it agrees

mutual understanding, for accord in the with yours.”
meaning of the words “Are you using this word to convey that…?”

Encouraging comparison- asking that “Was it something like…?”

similarities and differences be noted “Have you had similar experiences?”

Encouraging description of perceptions- “Tell me when you feel anxious.”

asking the client to verbalize what he or she “What is happening?”
perceives “What does the voice seem to be saying?”

Encouraging expression- asking the client “What are your feelings in regard to…?”
to appraise the quality of his or her “Does this contribute to your distress?”
experiences

Exploring- delving further into a subject or “Tell me more about that.”

idea “Would you describe it more fully?”
“What kind of work?”

Focusing- concentrating in a single point “This point seems worth looking at more
closely.”
“Of all the concerns you’ve mentioned, which
is most troublesome?”

Formulating a plan of action- asking the “What could you do to let your anger out
client to consider kinds of behavior likely to harmlessly?”
be appropriate in future situations “Next time this comes up, what might you do to
handle it?”

General leads- giving encouragement to “Go on.”

continue “And then?”
“Tell me about it.”

Giving information- making available the “My name is…”

facts that the client needs. “Visiting hours are…”
“My purpose in being here is…”
Giving recognition- acknowledging, “Good morning, Mr. S… “
indicating awareness “You’ve finished your list of things to do.”
“I notice that you’ve combed your hair.”

Making observation- verbalizing what the “You appear tense.”

nurse perceives “Are you comfortable when…?”
“I notice that you’re biting your lip.”

Offering self- making one self available. “I’ll sit with you awhile.”
“I’ll stay here with you.”
“I’m interested in what you think.”

Placing events in time or sequence- “What seemed to lead up to…?

clarifying the relationship of events in time. “Was this before or after…?”
“When did this happen?”

Presenting reality- offering for “I see no one else in the room.”

consideration that which is real “That sound was a car backfiring.”
“Your mother is not here; I’m a nurse.”

Reflecting- directing the client’s actions,
thoughts, and feelings back to client
Client: “Do you think I should tell the
Doctor…?”
Nurse: “do you think you should?”
Client: “My brother spends all my money and
then has the nerve to ask for more.”
Nurse:”This causes you to feel angry?”

Restating- repeating the main idea expressed Client: “I can’t sleep. I stay awake all night.”
Nurse: “You have difficulty sleeping.”
Client: “I’m really mad, I’m really upset.
Nurse: “You’re really mad and upset.”

Seeking information- seeking to make clear “I’m not sure that I follow.”
that which is not meaningful or that which is “Have I heard you correctly?”
vague

Silence- absence of verbal communication, Nurse says nothing but continues to maintain
which provides time for the client to put eye contact and conveys interest.
thoughts and feelings into words, to regain
composure, or to continue talking

Suggesting collaboration- offering to share, “Perhaps you and I can discuss and discover the
to strive, to work with the client for his/her triggers for your anxiety.”
benefit “Let’s go to your room, and I’ll help you find
what you’re looking for.”
Summarizing- organizing and summing up “Have I got this straight?”
that which has gone before “You’ve said that…”
“During the past hour, you and I have
discussed…”

Translating into feelings- seeking to Client: “I’m dead.”

verbalize client’s feelings that he/she Nurse:” Are suggesting that you feel lifeless?”
expresses only directly Client: “I’m way out in the ocean.”
Nurse: “You seem to feel lonely or deserted.”

Verbalizing the implied- voicing what the Client: “I can’t talk to you or anyone. It’s a
client has hinted at or suggested waste of time.”
Nurse: “Do you feel that no one understands?”

Voicing doubt- expressing uncertainty about “Isn’t that unusual?”

the reality of the client’s perceptions. “Really?”
“That’s hard to believe.”

NONTHERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES

Techniques Examples

Advising- telling the client what to do “I think you should…”

“Why don’t you…”
“That’s right.”
“I agree.”

Agreeing- indicating accord with the client Client: “I have nothing to live for… I wish I was
dead.”
Nurse: “Everybody gets down in the dumps,” or
“I’ve felt that way myself.”

Belittling feelings expressed- misjudging “But how can you be president of the United
the degree of the client’s discomfort states?’
“If you’re dead, why is your heart beating?”

Challenging- demanding proof from the “This hospital has a fine reputation.”
client “I’m sure your doctor has your best interests in
mind.”

Defending- attempting to protect someone or “That’s wrong.”

something from verbal attack “I definitely disagree with…”
“I don’t believe that.’
Disagreeing – opposing the client’s ideas
Giving approval- sanctioning the client’s
behavior or ideas
Giving literal responses- responding to a
figurative comment as though it were a
statement of fact
Indicating the existence of an external
source- attributing the source of thoughts,
feelings, and behavior to others or to outside
influences
Interpreting- asking to make conscious that
which is unconscious; telling the client the
meaning of his/her experience
Introducing an unrelated topic- changing
the subject
Making stereotyped comments- offering
meaningless clichés or trite comments
Probing- persistent questioning of the client
Reassuring- indicating there is no reason for
anxiety or other feelings of discomfort
Rejecting- refusing to consider or showing
contempt for the client’s ideas or behaviors
Requesting an explanation- asking the
client to provide4 reasons for thoughts,
feelings, behaviors, events
Testing- appraising the client’s degree of
insight
Using denial- refusing to admit that a
“That’s bad.”
“I’d rather you wouldn’t…”
“That’s good.”
“I’m glad that…’
Client: “They’re looking in my head with a
television camera.’
Nurse: “try not to watch television,” or “What
channel?”
“What makes you say that?”
“What made you do that?”
“Who told you that you were a prophet?”
“What you really mean is…”
“Unconsciously you’re saying…”
Client: “I’d like to die.”
Nurse: “Did you have visitors last evening?”
“It’s for your own good.”
“Keep your chin up.”
“Just have a positive attitude and you’ll be better
in no time.”
“Now tell me about this problem. You know I
have to find out.”
“Tell me your psychiatric history.”
“I wouldn’t worry about that.”
“Everything will be alright.”
“You’re coming along just fine.”
“Let’s not discuss…”
“I don’t want to hear about…”
“Why do you think that?”
“Why do you feel that way?”
“Do you know what kind of hospital this is?”
“Do you still have the idea that…?”
Client: “I’m nothing.”
problem exists Nurse: “Of course you’re something-
everybody’s something.”
Client: “I’m dead.”
Nurse: “Don’t be silly.”