1.5 (non-therapeutic techniques)

Question 1

false reassuring

Answer 1

indicating that there is no cause for anxiety (discourage client from further expression)

Ex. I wouldn’t worry about, everything will be alright, you’re coming along just fine
Ther: you seem to have many things going on, lets make a list and discuss solutions

Question 2

giving approval/agreeing

Answer 2

sanctioning contempt for the person’s ideas or behavior (ns has right to pass judgment on right/wrong of client)

Ex. that good, good job
Ther: how do you feel about it?

Question 3

rejecting

Answer 3

refusing to consider or showing contempt for the person’s ideas or behavior

Ex. let’s not discuss, I don’t want to hear about
Ther: i follow what you said, go on

Question 4

disapproving

Answer 4

denouncing the person’s ideas or behaviors

Ex. that’s bad, i’d rather you wouldn’t
Ther: what do you think about

Question 5

giving disapproval/disapproval

Answer 5

opposing the person’s ideas (ns has right to pass judgment on good/bad for pt)

Ex. you really should have shown up for med call, why don’t you
Ther: let’s talk about the way you see

Question 6

probing

Answer 6

persistent questioning upsetting the person leaving him feeling used an done at inappropriate times (feels used and valued for only what they share with ns)

Ex. why do you do this, why do you think;
Ther: tell me how you feel about this

Question 7

challenging

Answer 7

demanding proof from the person

Ex. you are not the president, if you were dead heart wouldn’t be beating
Ther: this sounds important to you, it seems…let’s talk about that

Question 8

defending

Answer 8

attempting to protect someone or something from verbal attack (to defend what client has criticized implies the client has no right to express)

Ex. this hospital has a fine reputation , no one here would lie to you
Ther: tell me what happened during, what has you so upset

Question 9

asking “why” questions (requesting an explanation)

Answer 9

does not allow the pt time to process and respond

Ex. why do you think that
Ther: what are your thoughts about

Question 10

indicating the existence of an outside source

Answer 10

attributing the see it source of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to others or to outside influences (encourages client to project blame and feelings on others)

Ex. who told you that I was jesus
Ther: i understand you believe you are Jesus but I don’t see it that way

Question 11

belittling feelings expressed

Answer 11

misjudging the degree of the person’s discomfort and making light of the feelings/making someone or someone’s ideas seem unimportant

Ex. “i have nothing to live for”—“everybody gets down in the dumps”
Ther: tell me more about these feelings

Question 12

making stereotyped comments

Answer 12

meaningless cliches

Ex. nice day were having
Ther: what kind of day are you having

Question 13

asking excessive questions

Answer 13

results in the patient not knowing which question to answer/ confusion

Ex. stacking questions
Ther: ask one

Question 14

giving literal responses

Answer 14

responding that you believe to a figurative comment as though it were a statement of fact

Ex. i am a easter egg–what shade
Ther: i understand you think…but I don’t see you that way

Question 15

using denial

Answer 15

refuse to admit that a problem exists (blocks discussion with client and avoids helping with identifying and exploring areas of difficulty for the client)

Ex. im nothing.–of course you are something
Ther: what do you mean?

Question 16

changing the subject

Answer 16

introducing an unrelated topic
Patient: “I want to die.”
Nurse: “Oh, dear, did you have company last weekend?”
Ther: tell me more about

Question 17

being judgmental

Answer 17

making subjective judgments about clients. ns responses are filled with his or her own values and judges

Ex. Christian thing to do
Ther: how do you think you should respond?

Question 18

offering advice

Answer 18

assumes that the ns knows best and the pt cannot think for self, inhibits prob solving and fasters dependence

Ex. i think you should
Ther: what do you think you should do

Question 19

minimizing the problem

Answer 19

indicates that the nurse is unable to understand or sympathize with the pt

Ex. everyone feels that way at some point
Ther: that sounds as if it is important to you

Question 20

interpreting

Answer 20

Results in the therapist telling client the meaning of his or her experience