Using silence
Gives the client the opportunity to collect and organize thoughts, to think through a point, or to consider introducing a topic of greater concern than the one being discussed.
accepting
conveys an attitude of reception and regard
Giving recognition
Acknowledging and indicating awareness; better than complimenting, which reflects the nurse's judgment
Offering self
Making oneself available on an unconditional basis, increasing client's feelings of self-worth
Giving broad openings
allows client to select the topic, emphasis importance of client's role in interaction
Offering general leads
encourages client to continue, this is the smile and nod or "go on
placing the event in sequence
Was this before or after. what seemed to lead up to.."
this helps both the nurse and client to see them in perspective. Client may gain insight into cause and effect behavior and consequences,
Making observations
verbalizing what is observed or perceived
Encouraging description of perceptions
Asking the client to verbalize what is being perceived; often used with clients experiencing hallucinations.
Encouraging comparison
asking client to compare similarities and differences in ideas, experiences, or interpersonal relationships.
helps client identify things that reoccur and what is changeable
Restating
Repeats the main idea expressed. Gives the patient an idea of what has been communicated. If the message has been misunderstood, the patient can clarify it.
reflecting
questions and feelings are referred back to the client so they may be recognized and accepted, or so that the client can recognize that their point of view has value
used instead of giving advice!
Focusing
taking notice of a single idea or even a single word
NOT therapeutic if client is anxious!
exploring
delving further into a subject, idea, experience, or relationship
helpful to encourage client to communicate deeper BUT do not probe
Seeking clarification and validation
Striving to explain that which is vague or incomprehensible and searching for mutual understanding. Clarifying the meaning of what has been said facilitates and increases understanding for both client and nurse.
Presenting reality
used when client has misperception of reality, nurse defines reality/offers their perception of reality
Voicing doubt
expressing uncertainty as to the reality of client's perception used for delusional thinking
Verbalizing the implied
putting into words what client has only implied
used for mute or verbizing impaired clients
this is used for implicit not explicit info
Attempting to translate words into feelings
When feelings are expressed indirectly, the nurse tries to "desymbolize" what has been said and to find clues to the underlying true feelings.
Formulating a plan of action
When a client has a plan in mind for dealing with what is considered to be a stressful situation, it may serve to prevent anger or anxiety from escalating to an unmanageable level.