CORE CONCEPTS ON THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION

What is COMMUNICATION?

• It refers to the reciprocal exchange of ideas between or among persons.

What are the different Modes of communication?

1. Verbal
2. Non-verbal
3. Meta communication

What are the Elements of Communication?

1. Sender - originator of information
2. Message - Information being transmitted
3. Receiver - recipient of information
4. Channel - mode of communication
5. Feedback - return response
6. Context - the setting of communication

What are the Criteria of successful communication?

1. Feedback
2. Appropriateness
3. Flexibility
4. Efficiency

What are the COMMON PROBLEMS IN COMMUNICATION?

1. Dysfunctional communication
2. Double bind communication
3. Differences between the denotative and connotative meaning
4. Incongruent communication

What are some of the common TECHNIQUES OF COMMUNICATION?

1. To initiate conversation

• Giving broad opening - giving the patient an opportunity to set the direction of the conversation. Example: "Is there anything that you may want to talk about?
• Giving recognition - focusing on the positive aspects of the patient's personality. Example: "I noticed that you combed your hair today."

2. To establish rapport and build trust

• Giving Information - responding with the needed facts
• Use of silence - refraining from speech to give the patient a time to sort out thoughts and feelings

3. To gather information

• Focusing - assisting a patient to explore a specific topic. Example: Patient: "I can't decide about…" Nurse: "Lets' talk about that. Perhaps if we talk about it, it will help you to decide."
• Validating - confirming one's observation Example: "Am you saying that..."
• Reflecting - directing back ideas, feelings and content Example: "You feel tense when you fight"
• Restating - repeating what the patient had sad

4. To close a conversation

• Summarizing - developing a concise resume of what has transpired