Therapeutic Communication Techniques

The problems and the maladies of the body are sometimes easily curable, but the problems of a mind are not that easily solved. To put together the pieces of a fragmented and shattered mind and help it heal itself requires therapeutic communication. A person can only get better and gain his confidence back when he strives to do so, on his own.

What is Therapeutic Communication?
It is caring and healing through communication. To slowly guide a patient through the messed up situation he/she is in and help him/her overcome it. The job of psychiatric nursing and psychotherapy is increasingly vital as people are increasingly falling prey to depression and hollowness inside even though they live a life of material abundance and have opportunities like never before. The job of a therapist is to help a patient get to the root cause of his problems through a process of introspection, guided by the therapist. That is why, a therapist needs to be non-judgmental and create an atmosphere where, the patient lets down his guards and communicates openly due to the trust he develops in the therapist.

Therapists need to have a range of communication techniques which help them in dealing with patients with myriad personalities and problem patterns. One of the most important things is that a therapist needs to be sincere and take genuine interest in the person he is trying to help. He needs to walk a thin line of empathy for the patient while still not letting that affect his objective thinking and analysis of the patient's problems.

Studying transcripts or therapeutic communication examples can help in gaining insight into how the art of reaching through the defenses of a patient is practiced. Case study of similar cases is very important as it can give extra clues for a solution.

A patient recovering from a debilitating illness needs encouragement and a lot of care from the nursing staff. Positive body language like a smile and demeanor which makes the patient feel cared, can bolster the healing process of a patient. Therapeutic communication in nursing is aimed at healing the mind while medicines can only cure the body.

Types of Techniques
Here are the major types, that make it easier for the patient to open up and the therapist to gain insight into what is the source of a patient's problems.

Undivided Attention & Listening
Giving your undivided attention to a patient when he talks is very important. Listening intently to what he says and being sympathetic and encouraging through eye contact and body language helps a lot. He should feel that you want to listen to him and are genuinely trying to understand his problems. These non verbal cues are crucial in the initial phase of therapy in creating an encouraging atmosphere.

Reflecting Thoughts
One way of the subtlest techniques is reflecting. A patient's statement is redirected towards him through similar wording which makes him think about it again from another perspective.

Sharing & Encouraging Interaction
One way of helping and connecting with a patient is to share your own personal experiences with him. This will encourage him to share his own experiences and problems more easily.

Direct Questioning and Problem Solving
This is the straightforward process where based on the facts and information, gained through questions about problems of patient, the therapist makes concrete suggestions about possible suggestions. This approach can work in case of only certain specific kinds of problems.

Identifying Inconsistencies and Contradictions
Through the way of conversation the therapist must identify the inconsistencies and contradictions in the thinking of the patient. He must also subtly point out behavioral patterns and habits that are wrong and causing harm. One needs to quietly go on emphasizing the importance of a behavioral change and bring the patient to the point where he acknowledges that he needs to change to get better.

These were some of the techniques employed by therapists. There is no one perfect communication technique of therapy. Every person is different and a therapist needs to explore various ways of reaching out to the person. Children are some of the toughest people to reach out and so are some grown ups. All you need is empathy and a non-judgmental caring attitude, backed by sincere concern.