Techniques that enhance communication

Using silence

“….”

Accepting

“Yes, Uh-huh”

Giving Recognition

“good morning, Mr. Smith. You’ve shaved today.”

Offering Self

“ I would like to spend time with you”

Offering general leads

“Go on.”

Giving Broad Openings

“Where would you like to begin?”

Placing the events in time and sequence

“what happened before?”

Offering Observations

“ I noticed you are shaking your leg when we talk about….”

Encouraging description of perception

“ What do these voices seem to be saying?”

Encouraging Comparison

“ Has this ever happened before?”

Restating

Patient; “ I can’t sleep. I stay awake all night.”

Nurse : “ You can’t sleep?”

Reflecting

Patient; “ what should I do about my husband’s affair?”

Nurse : “what do you think you should do?”

Focusing

“ You have mentioned many things. Let’s go back to your comment about struggling with making friends.”

Exploring

“ Tell me more about that.”

Giving Information

“ This medication is for your depression. Major side effects include…”

Seeking Clarification

“ I am not sure I follow you. Did you mean..”

Presenting reality

“That was Mr.Jones, he is the music therapist here today.”

Voicing Doubt

“ That is hard to believe”

Seeking consensual validation

“Tell me whether my understanding agrees with yours.”

Verbalizing the Implied

Patient: “I can’t talk to you or anyone else. IT is a waste of time.”

Nurse: “ Do you fell the no one understands you?”

Encourage Evaluation

“What did it mean to you when he said he could not stay?”

Attempting to Translate into feelings

Patient: “I feel dead inside.”

Nurse: “Are you saying your life feels meaningless?”

Suggesting Collaboration

“ Perhaps you and I can discover what triggers your anxiety.”

Summarizing

“During the past hour, you and I have discussed..”

Encouraging formulation of a plan of action

“ The next time you feel anxious, what are some ways that you can work through how your are feeling?”