What is therapeutic communication?

• A. Communication that shows empathy, active listening, and clear, supportive responses to facilitate understanding
• B. Engaging with patients using rapid technical terms only
• C. Disregarding patient concerns
• D. Avoiding eye contact and rushing conversations

Answer: (A)

Therapeutic communication is a purposeful, patient-centered approach that uses empathy, active listening, and clear, supportive responses to help the patient feel understood and safe to share information. It includes giving the patient time to speak, reflecting feelings, asking open-ended questions, and providing nonjudgmental feedback. By focusing on the patient’s concerns and adapting language to their level of understanding, it builds trust, reduces anxiety, and improves the quality of information exchange and adherence to care plans. Using rapid technical terms can confuse the patient and hinder understanding, disregarding concerns shuts down dialogue and erodes trust, and avoiding eye contact or rushing conveys disinterest and undermines the therapeutic relationship.