We learn how to communicate at an early age so we think it is quite simple, but communication is a complex process and needs practice to use it effectively. Therapeutic  communication  is defined as the face-to-face process of interacting with people in order to help a patient. Communication is the most powerful tool a nurse or a medic can have. It is the basis of therapeutic nurse-patient relationship  This kind of communication has three general purposes:   collecting information to determine illness, knowing and modifying behavior, and providing health education. Communication can be defined as the process through which we can  transmit and interpret messages. With therapeutic communication the nurse seeks to get a response from the patient that is beneficial to the patients mental and physical health.

Just as stress has been proven to adversely affect the health of individuals, the therapeutic approach to communication can actually help. In any given situation everyone uses communication. A nurse must always be aware of reactions and gestures, for these expressions may be the only way that the nurse can tell if there is something else going on that needs her  attention. Here are some types of therapeutic communication : listening is of great importance when it comes to dealing with patients. Asking open ended question can really help the patients. They can open up and tell everything that`s bothering them. A nurse should ask questions like :What are you thinking about? Can you tell me more about that? Clarification, restating and reflecting are also parts of the therapeutic communication. Through these last ones the nurse can understand and help the patient. It`s important to figure out what the patient has. People usually don`t like to talk about themselves and if it`s a more delicate problem then they tend to hide it.

Therapeutic communication can be very effective in dealing with troubled children also. Occasionally we might make a verbal intervention during a troubled moment and find that the child calms down very quickly. Here are some very simple but valuable guidelines in therapeutic communication. Give broad-openings asking questions like :Is there something you'd like to talk about? Is there something on your mind? Through the conversation it`s very reassuring to give general signs so the patient can understand that you are listening. Things like : go on, tell me about it, Was this before or after? You can make also observations like : You look sad right now ,I can see how mad you are. Clarifying what you have talked til then can really help. The patient feels understood and more relaxed.

Therapeutic communication can be helpful for everyone. There are many people that are shy or don`t like to talk about their troubles. They keep to themselves and in the end have some kind of crisis. Talking can be a great medicine if you find the right person. A nurse that is very confident in her therapeutic communication skills can make miracles.