THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION

This module aligns with key elements of APNA’s “Communication Theory and Interpersonal Skills” (American Psychiatric Nurses Association Education Council, Undergraduate Branch, 2022).

Module Outline

• Therapeutic Communication
• Non-Therapeutic Communication

Module Learning Outcomes

• Summarize therapeutic communication techniques
• Summarize non-therapeutic communication techniques

Concepts

• Therapeutic Communication
• Empathy
• Rapport

Overview

This module will review therapeutic communication techniques for non-therapeutic communication techniques. Nurses use therapeutic communication and empathy to cultivate rapport and a therapeutic relationship with patients. Below is an overview of therapeutic versus non-therapeutic communication strategies.

Therapeutic Communication Strategies

Sharma and Gupta (2022) summarize therapeutic communication strategies. These include:

• Open-ended questions-ask open ended questions to learn more about the patient and enable a free-flow of information exchange; closed-ended questions can be used to focus on specific information
• Active listening-active listening involves behaviors such as making eye contact and nodding
• Non-verbal indicators-be mindful of non-verbal indicators such as looking frequently at the clock/watch, toe-tapping, having an open body stance
• Silence-sitting with a patient during a difficult time and listening without interruption can be therapeutic
• Reflecting-the nurse repeats the patient’s communication back to them; encourages the patient to reflect on their feelings

Non-Therapeutic Communication Strategies

Summarization of Sharma and Gupta’s (2022) non-therapeutic communication include:

• Value judgments/Approval/Disapproval-avoid interjecting one’s biases and judgments, providing approval or disapproval of the patient’s thoughts or actions
• Negative body language-avoid crossing arms, appearing distracting, and standing over the patient during engagement/conversation
• Advice-avoid providing patient advice on recommended action(s)
• False reassurance-avoid false reassurance; can lead to mistrust, especially in the case that an expected outcome is not realized

Level Up RN. (2022). Nurse/client relationship, therapeutic communication-psychiatric mental health nursing [Video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/watch?v=t_59thyrje8&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE

The virtual simulation “Cultural Sensitivity” contained within this chapter showcasing the topics (Therapeutic Communication: Cultural Sensitivity) was adapted from Stevens, C., Rutherford, M., Carter, K. & Morant, C.R. (2021). Cultural sensitivity. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.