Therapeutic Communication Strategies

2. Lighten the mood and contribute to feelings of togetherness, closeness, and friendliness.
6. Offering general leads provides keywords to “open” the discussion while also seeking more information.
7. Rephrases the client’s words and key ideas to clarify their message and encourage additional communication.
11. Acknowledges a client’s emotions or message and affirms they have been heard.
12. Encourages a client to persevere and be resilient.
13. Allowing quiet time for self-reflection by the client.
15. Providing support by being present.
18. Asks the client to further define what they are communicating.
19. Demonstrates active listening to clients and allows the nurse to verify information.

1. Acknowledges and validates the client’s positive health behaviors.
3. Commenting on the appearance, demeanor, or behavior of patients can help draw attention to areas that need support.
4. Asks clients what they think they should do, encourages them to be accountable for their own actions,.
5. Uses different word choices for the same content stated by the client to encourage elaboration.
8. Encouraging clients to explain what they’re perceiving
9. Restructures the client’s distorted thoughts with valid information.
10. Presents reality or challenges a client’s assumptions.
14. Helps clients reflect on previous situations in which they have coped effectively.
16. Gathers more information about what the client is communicating.
17. Comment on a specific statement made by a client that seems particularly important prompts them to discuss it further.