03 Therapeutic Communication Free Online FlashCards

What is therapeutic communication?

Purposeful, respectful interaction that helps a person express concerns, feel heard, and participate in care.

What does active listening involve?

Give the person your attention, notice verbal and nonverbal cues, and check that you understood correctly.

What is the purpose of an open-ended question?

They invite the person to give more than a yes-or-no answer and encourage fuller expression.

How does paraphrasing support communication?

Restate the person’s main idea in your own words to check understanding.

What is reflection in therapeutic communication?

Tentatively name a feeling the person may be experiencing, such as disappointment.

How should you respond to an unclear statement?

Ask calmly what the person means when a statement is unclear.

How can purposeful silence help?

Allow time for thought or emotion while remaining attentive instead of rushing to fill the pause.

How can you check understanding after giving information?

Give relevant, understandable facts without overwhelming the person, then check understanding by asking them to explain the plan in their own words.

What does empathy require?

Acknowledge the person’s experience without claiming to know exactly how they feel.

How should you respond instead of saying “Don’t worry”?

Avoid minimizing, judging, arguing, or giving false reassurance; acknowledge the concern and invite the person to say more.

What are key professional boundary practices?

Keep the relationship focused on the person’s care, protect privacy, follow role and workplace policies, and use approved communication channels.

Why are professional boundaries important?

Boundaries protect the person and help manage the power difference in care.