Therapeutic Communication

In the nursing and midwifery profession, the ability to execute therapeutic communication along with forming a therapeutic relationship effectively is important. Day, Levett-Jones and Kenny (2012) express that therapeutic communication promotes understanding to the client, developing a rapport between the nurse and client, so the nurse is able to understand the client’s verbal and emotional messages. Warnecke (2014) describes a therapeutic relationship as an art form, the focus being on patient care and healing as opposed to just fixing the problem. This essay is a critical reflection based on the role play that took part in week three tutorial. From this, two interpersonal communication skills that where applied successfully will be reflected upon; eye contact and body posture, along with one skill that needs improvement; expressing empathy.

During the interview I found that I was able to keep continuous eye contact at appropriate times, especially when probing the client about the trouble she was having. Showing that she had my full attention and I was sincerely interested and wanting to know more. The only difficult aspect of this non-verbal communication technique, I felt, was that trying to fill out documentation distracted my eye contact as I was trying to be attentive to the client, but still trying to record all the important information. Stickly (2011) informs that the occasional breakage of eye contact is appropriate as staring can become intrusive and if the client is distressed or looking down ensure your engagement through the use of eye contact is waiting for them. Harvey and Park (2012) explain that retaining eye contact is way to express respect in most westernised cultures, but others may find this disrespectful, ...

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...verall throughout the interviewing process my two strengths where retaining appropriate eye contact and using correct body posture and my communication limitation was the ability to express empathy. Through research we now understand the importance and effectiveness of applying verbal and non-verbal communication techniques correctly. When eye contact, body posture and empathy are expressed correctly, positive outcomes are evident, strengthening the client-nurse relationship. Next time, it would be beneficial to partake in an interview with a member of the cohort that you haven’t previously worked, as in a clinical setting you are not likely to know the person. Also it would be beneficial to record the role play, so the interviewer can watch themselves and possibly notice other strengths/limitations that they might do subconsciously, eg. Fidgeting or wandering eyes.