Mental health articles

Therapeutic communication is effective if the psychiatric nurse follows a communication process that fosters a therapeutic relationship between the psychiatric nurse and the patient. Here are steps to follow:

• Introduce yourself by name and title to the patient.
• Ask the patient how they would like to be addressed.
• Recognize that your nonverbal communication greatly influences your therapeutic relationship with the patient. The patient sees you before they listen to you.
• Maintain eye contact with the patient.
• Sit facing the patient using an open relaxed posture.
• Avoid distractions.
• Provide the patient opportunity to express themself.
• Focus on the patient when the patient is speaking.
• Answer the patient’s questions directly and avoid giving immediate advice.
• Assess the patient’s nonverbal and verbal messages separately. For example, a patient’s verbal message may indicate that the patient is calm and in control, whereas the patient’s nonverbal message may indicate anxiety and agitation. Remember that a psychiatric patient’s nonverbal communication (i.e., behavior) is likely to be considered abnormal and therefore can lead to miscommunication with the nurse.
• Assess the patient’s preexisting conditions.
• Respect the patient’s preexisting conditions (i.e., values, beliefs).
• Modify your verbal and nonverbal communication to meet the patient’s communication needs.
• Be honest with the patient. Explain the patient’s rights and limitations to confidentiality regarding the patient’s treatment team, family, and friends.
• Express empathy for the patient and develop a care plan that leads the patient to self-care within the patient’s capabilities.

Tags: therapeutic communication