Therapeutic Relationships and Communication

In completing the case study, students will be addressing the following learning objectives:

List the key ingredients of therapeutic relationships. Contrast effective and ineffective communication techniques with clients.

1. Two student nurses are preparing for psychiatric-mental health clinical learning experiences. They decided to review the assigned reading and lecture notes from their class on therapeutic communication. After discussion, the students decided that the elements of respect, genuineness, and caring in talking to clients could lead to a trusting relationship. Both students voiced concern over their ability to develop and maintain a professional and not a social relationship.

a. How can the student nurses convey the essential elements of a therapeutic relationship in talking to clients?

b. How can the student nurses maintain a professional relationship and avoid a social one for clients in psychiatric settings?