Nurse
Verbal
Therapeutic
Non-therapeutic
Alternate Response
Non verbal
Therapeutic
Non-therapeutic
Alternate Response
Nurse: Hi, my name is Jane. How can I help you today?
Client: Hi, I’m feeling really sad lately.
Therapeutic
Nurse: Why are you feeling sad?
Non-therapeutic
Nurse: Did something happen to make you feel sad?
Non-therapeutic
Client: Yeah, my best friend passed away last month.
Therapeutic
Nurse: Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.
Therapeutic
Nurse: It’s okay, it will get better with time.
Non-therapeutic
Client: I don’t know how to move on.
Therapeutic
Nurse: You should try to keep yourself busy with activities.
Non-therapeutic
Client: I feel like I don’t even have the energy for that.
Therapeutic
Nurse: Well, you have to try.
Non-therapeutic
Client: I just can’t stop thinking about her.
Therapeutic
Nurse: Have you tried talking to anyone about your feelings?
Therapeutic
Client: No, I don’t really have anyone to talk to.
Therapeutic
Nurse: Well, you have me to talk to.
Therapeutic
Client: Thank you, I really appreciate it.
Therapeutic
Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication:
Verbal communication: The nurse and client engage in a conversation where they exchange information using words and language.
Non-Verbal Communication: The nurse uses eye contact, nods, and facial expressions to show empathy and support for the client. The client’s non-verbal communication is not explicitly mentioned in the video.
Therapeutic or Non-Therapeutic Communication:
The nurse’s initial greeting is therapeutic, but then moves to non-therapeutic communication by asking the client “why” they are feeling sad and “did something happen” which can be perceived as judgmental or blaming. The nurse’s response to the client’s statement “I don’t know how to move on” by suggesting to keep busy with activities is non-therapeutic. The alternate response would be to validate the client’s feelings and explore additional support options.
The nurse’s statement “It’s okay, it will get better with time” can be seen as minimizing the client’s feelings and is non-therapeutic. However, the nurse’s follow-up statement “Have you tried talking to anyone about your feelings?” is therapeutic as it encourages the client to seek support. The nurse’s offer to listen is also therapeutic.
Alternate Response:
Instead of asking the client “why” they are feeling sad, a more therapeutic response would be to ask “what” is making them feel sad. A response to “I don’t know how to move on” could be “It’s understandable that you’re feeling that way. Would you like to explore some ways to cope with these feelings?”