Question

During a crisis event it is important to evaluate the person’s level of anxiety.  If coping skills are ineffective; anxiety can overwhelm a person and lead to depression, confusion, violence towards others or suicidal behavior.  Knowledge of communication and interviewing techniques is the foundation for development of any patient-centered relationship.  Goal-directed professional communication is referred to as therapeutic communication.

When interviewing Tom shortly after his return from Afghanistan, he makes the following statement to you.  “I am so afraid to go to sleep at night since I came back for Afghanistan.  The nightmares are so real I can hear the screams of the wounded, and the visions in my mind are terrifying!”

1. How would you reply to Tom using the techniques of:  restating, reflecting, giving advice, minimizing feelings, and falsely reassuring (give an example, in your own words, of each technique; they should be written as if you are speaking to Tom).
2. Which ones are examples of therapeutic communication and which ones are examples of non-therapeutic communication?

Answer 1

Me- hello, good evening ( greeting)

Tom - hello

Me- what are you thinking now Tom ( broad opening)

Tom- I am thinking of my days spent at afganisthan . I am so afraid ........are terryfing .

Me- So you are telling , your days at afganisthan were horrible, men are scremeing , people are dying .. and that are so horrifying that you can hear them even in sleep ....( RESTATING)

TOM- yes it is , i i can't sleep properly at night , it gives me a lot of pain ....

Me- sleep is very important for health , You must sleep 8 hours a day ( advicing)

Tom - yes , but i can't sleep , i am very afraid .nightmares are always there on my sleep ..

Me - why are you so much afraid .?

Tom - i am afraid because i have seen those events by my eyes .

Me - you have seen those events , those it feels , it could be happen to you .so you are very much anxious ..????? ( reflection of emotion)

Tom - yes it is .

Me- see, tom . This kinds of events will go to happen , but you have to be strong enough to forget this kind of events , this night mares are hampering your health , as well as your mind .

Tom - yea

Me - Try to meditate on seeing a specfic point , watch funny or comedy movie , talk to friends , share your feelings with your near ones , drink plenty of water and greens , sleep 8 hours at night .( Minimizing feelings)

Tom - i will try

Me - tom , if you can follow my suggestions i think it would resolve your anxious feelings , as well as will help you could focus on your work ..( falsely reassuring)

Tom - thank u for your suggestions , i i wi surely try so ...

Me- welcome , come to me again when you need help ..