What it means
The opposite of therapeutic communicationther-uh-PYOO-tik kuh-myoo-nih-KAY-shunPurposeful, client-centered communication that helps a client express feelings and work toward health.Full entry . Common examples are false reassurance ("Everything will be fine"), giving advice ("If I were you…"), asking "why" questions that make the client defensive, changing the subject, approving or disapproving, using clichés, defending staff or the facility, and belittling the client's feelings.
For the nurse
Use open-ended questions, reflect the client's feelings back, and allow silence. On the exam, the best answer usually keeps the focus on the client's feelings.
At a glance
| Also written | non-therapeutic communication, communication blocks |
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Related terms
therapeutic communication
Purposeful, client-centered communication that helps a client express feelings and work toward health.