Therapeutic Communication Techniques Used by Psychiatric Nurses
Introduction
Effective communication lies at the heart of psychiatric nursing practice, serving as
the primary tool for building trust, conducting assessments, and facilitating
healing. Unlike general nursing communication, therapeutic communication in
mental health settings requires specialized techniques that address emotional
distress, cognitive distortions, and behavioral challenges (Arnold & Boggs, 2020).
This paper examines the core verbal and non-verbal communication strategies
psychiatric nurses employ, their evidence-based outcomes, and practical
applications in diverse clinical scenarios.
Foundational Principles of Therapeutic Communication
Psychiatric nurses operate according to three fundamental principles:
1. Unconditional Positive Regard/- Accepting patients without judgment
2. Active Presence/- Being fully engaged in the interaction
3. Patient-Centered Focus/- Prioritizing the patient's needs and perspective
Research indicates these principles increase treatment adherence by 40%
compared to directive communication (Müller et al., 2021).
Essential Verbal Techniques
1. Active Listening Strategies
Minimal Encouragers: Brief verbal cues ("Go on," "I see") that prompt
patients to continue sharing
Paraphrasing: Restating content in similar words to demonstrate
understanding
Reflecting Feelings: Mirroring emotional undertones ("You sound angry
about that")
2. Therapeutic Questioning
Open-Ended Questions: "What was that experience like for you?"
