Therapeutic Communication

In this lesson, we will define therapeutic communication and review ways in which communication takes place, both verbally and non-verbally.  Communication techniques will be introduced along with examples on how to use them to facilitate open communication and trust with clients. We will examine barriers to communication and establish how to set up an environment that promotes better communication and understanding. The more a client trusts a healthcare provider, the more information is likely to be shared and the more cooperative clients may be with mutually established goals. Next we will take a look at defense mechanisms and how they can be barriers to communication.  Finally we will identify the four phases of the therapeutic relationship, which is important information to know for testing and practice purposes, and how each phase can be enhanced to promote trust and independence in client’s with mental health disorders.

Learning Objectives:

Upon the completion of this lesson, learners will be able to:

1. Recognize examples of therapeutic communication techniques
2. Describe some common examples of defense mechanisms
3. Analyze barriers to therapeutic communication
4. Determine appropriate communication techniques to build therapeutic relationships