Therapeutic Communicaion

Therapeutic communication can be very effective in dealing with troubled children. Occasionally we might make a verbal intervention during a troubled moment and find that the child calms down very quickly. If only this were more frequent. Here are some very simple but valuable guidelines in therapeutic communication. They are simple but not always easy to implement. Being a non-directive listener means letting go of one's own issues, needs, belief systems etc. while listening.

Giving broad-openings

• Is there something you'd like to talk about?
• Is there something on your mind?
• Where would you like to begin?

This allows the speaker to set the direction of the conversation. Accepting/Offering general leads

• Go on
• And then
• Tell me about it

Encourages the speaker to continue the conversation. Sequencing

• Was this before or after?
• What seemed to lead up to...

Helps to identify cause and effect, recurring pattern of interpersonal difficulties. Observation

• You look sad right now
• I can see how mad you are

To help with awareness of feelings, encourage verbalization of feelings, conveys concern and interest. Using silence, offering-self

• I will sit with you awhile
• I will stay here with you

Gives the speaker opportunity to reflect upon, then speak about feelings. Clarifying

• I am not sure I follow.
• Are you using this word to mean.

Voicing what the speaker seems to imply rather than what was said. Verifying your impressions may help the speaker become more aware of their feelings. Exploring

• Tell me more about that
• What do you feel your options are

Encourages the speaker to expand upon their remarks or problems. To aid the speaker in seeing problems more clearly and encouraging examination of these problems and hopefully working towards a solution. Summarizing

• You've said that...
• So far we've talked about how...

Organizes the discussion, brings together important points. Non-Therapeutic Communication Techniques. Reassuring

• I wouldn't worry about...
• Everything will be alright.
• You're coming along fine.

To attempt to dispel the speaker's anxiety by implying that there is not sufficient reason for it to exist is to completely devaluate the other's own feelings. Blocks expressing further feelings. Giving Approval

• That's good.
• I'm glad that you...

Colluding the other's ideas or behaviour that may stop further, deeper insights. Rejecting

• Let's not discuss...
• I don't want to hear about...

Refusing to consider or showing contempt for the person's ideas or behavior. Disagreeing/Defending/Challenging

• I don't believe that
• No one here would lie to you
• If no one liked you then...

Imposes one's values on person. Communicates that what speaker said is not acceptable. Will make speaker feel defensive, blocks communication.