Therapeutic Techniques Flashcards
(14 cards)
Nurses chooses topic but allows direction and freedom for the client
“What do you think about that…”
“How did you feel about that?…”
Open Ended Questions
Allows client to introduce the topic and define the issue
“Is there something you would like to talk about?”
Broad Openings
Nurse is able to get the same response but without asking a direct question.
“tell me how you felt when your mother said that”
“Id like to know what you think about that…”
Indirect Statement
Allows for clarification. The nurse repeats the main idea of what the client said using different words than those used by the client.
Client “my mother gets upset if I don’t tell her every place I go, what I do, and who I’m with she refuses to let me grow up.”
Nurse “in other words, you feel she is treating you like a child.”
Paraphrasing
Parroting. Repeating the same words the client said to reflect on the message. Give the client an opportunity to hear and mull over what he or she said.
Client “my brother spends all if the money and then has the nerve to ask for more”
Nurse “Ask for more?”
Client “I’m so sad”
Nurse “so sad?”
Reflecting Content
Verbalizing the implied feeling in the clients comment. Encourages client to make additional clarifying remarks.
Client “my brother spends all the money and then has the nerve to ask for more”
Nurse “This makes you FEEL angry?”
Client “He laughed at me. My boss just say there and laughed at me. I felt like such a fool”
Nurse “you FELT humiliated?”
Reflecting Content
Providing data for client to use in formulating a plan of action. Differs from giving advice.
“Several halfway houses have work programs”
Giving Information
Verbalizing what is perceived. Provides an opportunity for client to talk about what is producing the behavior.
“I noticed a change in your expression when the subject of trust was brought up in group”
“You appear uncomfortable when talking about relationships”
Making Observations
Trying to clarify that which is vague or not meaningful. Acknowledge when you are confused and ask client to paraphrase.
“When you say … Does that mean…”
“I understand you to say… Is that right?”
“I’m not sure I follow you”
Clarification
Giving encouragement to continue
“go on”
“Oh”
“Tell me about it”
“I see”
Offering General Leads/Minimum Encouragement
Help client start with specifics without jumping from topic to topic. Useful with overwhelmed clients. Encourages client to expand on one point of a statement.
“Can we go back to.. Because I’m not sure I follow you”
“Rather than talking about what your husband thinks, I would like to hear how you’re feeling right now”
“Could we continue to talk about you and your dad right now?”
Focusing
Permits client to collect thoughts or control emotions or give time to consider alternatives. No spoken words but remain attentive, interested, and expect it.
Using Silence
Allows the client to correct incorrect perceptions. Conveys the message “I want to understand”. allows the nurse to avoid actions based on false assumptions about the client.
“Let me know if this is how you see it too”
“This is what I heard you say… Is that correct?”
Validating Perceptions
Making nurse physically and emotionally available to the client.
“I’ll stay with you until you feel less anxious”
Offering Self
