THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION AND DEFENSE MECHANISMS

A collection of flashcards focusing on therapeutic communication techniques, non-therapeutic communication techniques, and various defense mechanisms in the context of mental health nursing.

What are therapeutic communication techniques?

Methods used to enhance communication and relationships in a therapeutic context, such as active listening, reflecting feelings, and providing feedback.

What does the technique 'Accepting' involve?

Acknowledging the patient's feelings with phrases like 'I can imagine how that might feel' to foster understanding.

Explain the technique of 'Clarifying'.

Asking the patient to explain something to ensure understanding of their situation, e.g., 'Help me understand your situation before coming to the hospital.'

What is meant by 'Attempting to translate words into feelings'?

Interpreting patients' words to identify underlying emotions, such as saying, 'You sound upset with your sister for not helping the family.'

Give an example of an open-ended question used in therapeutic communication.

'What would you like to talk about today?'

What is the purpose of the technique 'Focusing'?

To concentrate on a specific issue the patient raises, e.g., 'You’ve mentioned many things. Let’s go back to your thinking of ‘ending it all.’

What does 'Offering self' entail in therapeutic communication?

Showing availability and willingness to support the patient, such as saying, 'I’m interested in what you think.'

Define 'Non-therapeutic communication techniques'.

Methods that can hinder communication and negatively affect the therapeutic relationship, such as agreeing/disagreeing or belittling feelings.

What technique is characterized by the statement, 'That's good, I’m glad to hear that'?

Giving approval/disapproval, which can hinder open communication.

What is 'Projection' as a defense mechanism?

Blaming others for one's own unacceptable feelings or thoughts, for example, a woman who is attracted to women denying her feelings.

What does 'Denial' mean in the context of psychological defense mechanisms?

Unconscious refusal to face unpleasant realities, e.g., a woman who keeps her deceased husband's clothes and speaks as if he’s still alive.

What is the essence of the defense mechanism 'Sublimation'?

Channeling unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable actions, such as participating in sports to release aggression.

Explain 'Rationalization' in defense mechanisms.

Justifying behaviors with excuses or faulty logic to avoid personal responsibility, e.g., 'Everybody cheats, so why shouldn’t I?'.

What does 'Self-observation' entail as a coping strategy?

Reflecting on one’s own behaviors and feelings to respond appropriately to a situation.

Differentiate between maladaptive and dysfunctional coping strategies.

Maladaptive strategies are less successful at reducing anxiety and solving problems, while dysfunctional strategies are completely unsuccessful and can lead to harmful behaviors.