therapeutic communication chapter 32
Unit 3 psychosocial integrity
Chapter 32 Therapeutic Communication
Overview
●● Communication is a complex process of sending, receiving, and comprehending messages
between two or more people. It is a dynamic and ongoing process that creates a unique
experience between the participants.
◯◯ Communicating effectively is a skill that can be developed.
◯◯ Nurses use communication when providing care to demonstrate caring, establish
relationships, obtain information, and assist with changing behavior.
◯◯ Therapeutic communication is foundational to the nurse-client relationship.
Basic Communication
●● Levels of Basic Communication
◯◯ Intrapersonal communication – Communication that occurs within an individual.
Also identified as “self-talk.” This is the internal discussion that takes place when
an individual is thinking but not outwardly verbalizing the thoughts. In nursing,
intrapersonal communication allows the nurse to assess clients and/or situations and
critically think about the clients/situations before verbally communicating.
◯◯ Interpersonal communication – Communication that occurs between two people. This
form of communication is the most common in nursing and requires an exchange of
information with an individual or small group.
◯◯ Public communication – Communication that occurs within large groups of people.
In nursing, this commonly occurs during educational endeavors where the nurse is
teaching a large group of individuals, such as in a community setting.
◯◯ Transpersonal communication – Addresses spiritual needs and provides interventions
to meet these needs.
◯◯ Small group communication – Communication within a group of people.
320 fundamentals for nursing
, therapeutic communication
●● Functional Components of Basic Communication
component description
Referent • The incentive or motivation for communication to occur between one person
and another
Sender • The person who initiates the message
Message • The verbal and/or nonverbal information that is expressed by the sender and
intended for the receiver
Channel • The method of transmitting and receiving a message (received via sight,
hearing, and/or touch)
Receiver • The person to whom the message is aimed at and received by
Environment • The emotional and physical climate in which the communication takes place
Feedback • May be verbal and/or nonverbal, positive and/or negative
• The message that is returned to the sender by the receiver that indicates that
the message was received
• An essential component of ongoing communication
Interpersonal • Variables that influence communication between the sender and the receiver
variables
●● Verbal Communication
Content of the Message Impact on the Communication
Vocabulary – These are the words used to Limited vocabulary or speaking another
communicate either a written or spoken language may make it difficult for the nurse to
message. communicate with the client. Use of medical
jargon may decrease client understanding.
Denotative/connotative meaning – When Words that have multiple meanings may cause
communicating, participants must share miscommunication if interpreted differently.
meanings.
Clarity/brevity – The shortest, simplest Long and complex communication may be
communication is usually most effective. difficult to understand.
Timing/relevance – Knowing when to Communicating with a client who is in physical
communicate allows the receiver to be more discomfort or distracted will make it difficult to
attentive to the message. convey the message.
Pacing – The rate of speech can communicate a Speaking rapidly may communicate the
meaning to the receiver. impression that the nurse is in a rush and does
not have time for the client.
Intonation – The tone of voice can communicate The nurse can communicate feelings such as
a variety of feelings. acceptance, judgment, and dislike through tone
of voice.
fundamentals for nursing 321
Unit 3 psychosocial integrity
Chapter 32 Therapeutic Communication
Overview
●● Communication is a complex process of sending, receiving, and comprehending messages
between two or more people. It is a dynamic and ongoing process that creates a unique
experience between the participants.
◯◯ Communicating effectively is a skill that can be developed.
◯◯ Nurses use communication when providing care to demonstrate caring, establish
relationships, obtain information, and assist with changing behavior.
◯◯ Therapeutic communication is foundational to the nurse-client relationship.
Basic Communication
●● Levels of Basic Communication
◯◯ Intrapersonal communication – Communication that occurs within an individual.
Also identified as “self-talk.” This is the internal discussion that takes place when
an individual is thinking but not outwardly verbalizing the thoughts. In nursing,
intrapersonal communication allows the nurse to assess clients and/or situations and
critically think about the clients/situations before verbally communicating.
◯◯ Interpersonal communication – Communication that occurs between two people. This
form of communication is the most common in nursing and requires an exchange of
information with an individual or small group.
◯◯ Public communication – Communication that occurs within large groups of people.
In nursing, this commonly occurs during educational endeavors where the nurse is
teaching a large group of individuals, such as in a community setting.
◯◯ Transpersonal communication – Addresses spiritual needs and provides interventions
to meet these needs.
◯◯ Small group communication – Communication within a group of people.
320 fundamentals for nursing
, therapeutic communication
●● Functional Components of Basic Communication
component description
Referent • The incentive or motivation for communication to occur between one person
and another
Sender • The person who initiates the message
Message • The verbal and/or nonverbal information that is expressed by the sender and
intended for the receiver
Channel • The method of transmitting and receiving a message (received via sight,
hearing, and/or touch)
Receiver • The person to whom the message is aimed at and received by
Environment • The emotional and physical climate in which the communication takes place
Feedback • May be verbal and/or nonverbal, positive and/or negative
• The message that is returned to the sender by the receiver that indicates that
the message was received
• An essential component of ongoing communication
Interpersonal • Variables that influence communication between the sender and the receiver
variables
●● Verbal Communication
Content of the Message Impact on the Communication
Vocabulary – These are the words used to Limited vocabulary or speaking another
communicate either a written or spoken language may make it difficult for the nurse to
message. communicate with the client. Use of medical
jargon may decrease client understanding.
Denotative/connotative meaning – When Words that have multiple meanings may cause
communicating, participants must share miscommunication if interpreted differently.
meanings.
Clarity/brevity – The shortest, simplest Long and complex communication may be
communication is usually most effective. difficult to understand.
Timing/relevance – Knowing when to Communicating with a client who is in physical
communicate allows the receiver to be more discomfort or distracted will make it difficult to
attentive to the message. convey the message.
Pacing – The rate of speech can communicate a Speaking rapidly may communicate the
meaning to the receiver. impression that the nurse is in a rush and does
not have time for the client.
Intonation – The tone of voice can communicate The nurse can communicate feelings such as
a variety of feelings. acceptance, judgment, and dislike through tone
of voice.
fundamentals for nursing 321
