| Therapeutic Communication Techniques | Examples |
| 1. Using silence | The client says: "We drink and smoke a lot here." The student thinks…how can that be…drinking alcohol in a state hospital? But says nothing…using silence…the client then says: "yes we drink a lot of cokes and smoke a lot." |
| 2. Accepting | "Yes" or "I follow what you said" |
| 3. Giving Recognition | "I notice you combed your hair." |
| 4. Offering self | "I'll sit with you awhile." |
| 5. Using Broad Openings | "What would you like to talk about?"
"Tell me what's bothering you." |
| 6. Using General Leads (using neutral expressions to encourage continued talking by the client) | "Go on. " Ummm..I
am listening"
"Tell me about it" |
| 7. Placing he event in time or sequence | "Was this before or after…?"
"What seemed to lead up to…?" |
| 8. Making Observations | "You appear tense"
"I notice you are biting your lips." |
| 9. Encouraging Description of Perceptions | "What do you think is happening to you right now…?" |
| 10. Restating | Client: "I can't sleep. I stay
awake all night."
Nurse: "You have difficulty sleeping" |
| 11. Reflecting | Patient: "Do you think I should
tell the doctor?"
Nurse: "Do you think you should tell the doctor?" |
| 12. Focusing | "This point seems worth looking
at more closely."
"You said something earlier that I want you to go back to." |
| 13. Exploring | "Would you describe that more fully." |
| 14. Giving Information | "My name is…I am a student nurse.." |
| 15. Seeking Clarification | "What would you say is the main point of what you said?" |
| 16. Presenting Reality | "Your mother is not here…I am
a nurse."
Patient: "Did you bring my car today?" Nurse: "No, you do not have a car. I drove my car here today." |
| 17.. Voicing Doubt | "That's hard to believe."
"Really?" |
| 18. Seeking Consensual Validation | |
| 19. Verbalizing the Implied | |
| 20. Encouraging Evaluation (asking for the client's view of the meaning or importance of something) | "How important is it for you to change this behavior?" |
| 21. Attempting to Translate Into Feelings | " From what you say, I suspect you are feeling relieved." |
| 22. Suggested Collaboration | "Let's see if we can figure this out.." |
| 23. Summarizing | " Let's see, so far you have said..." |
| 24. Encouraging Formulation of a Plan of Action | "What will it take to reach your goal of not hitting anyone?" |
| 25. Identifying themes ..asking client to identify recurrent patterns in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors | "So what do you do each time you drink too much and it's time to go home?" What is the major feeling you have about all men?" |