Therapeutic Techniques: Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Essay

Introduction. Focusing

• The technique involves focusing on one idea or word produced by the client;
• Aimed to help in a more detailed consideration of significant thoughts (Townsend & Morgan, 2017);
• Particularly relevant when working with patients who shift from subject to subject;
• Not suitable for working with clients with a high level of anxiety (Sheikh, 2020);
• Can only be used after the level of anxiety has been reduced.

Exploring

• A more detailed consideration of any subject, idea, or aspect of the relationship;
• Most effective with clients who are prone to detach and superficial communication (Townsend & Morgan, 2017);
• It is necessary to limit exploring when the client is uncomfortable;
• Facilitates open discussion and trust building (Varcarolis & Fosbre, 2020);
• The basis of the client-centered therapeutic approach.

Seeking clarification and validation

• Used to clarify incomprehensible aspects and points presented by the client (Townsend & Morgan, 2017);
• It is aimed at finding mutual understanding and agreement between the client and the therapist (Varcarolis & Fosbre, 2020);
• Allows clarifying the meaning of what was said;
• Facilitates understanding between client and nurse (Sheikh, 2020);
• Can be used to clarify nurse statements for better mutual understanding.

Presenting reality

• Presentation of the nurse’s perception of reality to the client;
• Used when the client of the mix is ​​interpreting events or has a distorted reality perception (Sheikh, 2020);
• Helps the client to distinguish reality from unreality (Varcarolis & Fosbre, 2020);
• Uses clarification of client’s misconceptions;
• Includes the articulation of doubts about the reality of the client’s perception of the situation.

Voicing doubt

• Based on the articulation of doubt about the reality of the client’s perception (Varcarolis & Fosbre, 2020);
• Often used when working with clients with delusional thoughts (Townsend & Morgan, 2017);
• Forces the client to reconsider their assumptions and statements;
• A gentle way to draw the client’s attention to erroneous conclusions and ideas;
• Allows the client to examine their own thoughts and feelings.

Verbalizing the implied

• Verbal articulation of what the client only implied (Townsend & Morgan, 2017);
• Can be used to work with clients who are mute (Varcarolis & Fosbre, 2020);
• Effective when working with clients who are not ready for open communication or who experience verbal impairments;
• Clarifies implicit aspects of communication;
• Includes observation of non-verbal aspects of communication (Sheikh, 2020).

Attempting to translate words into feelings

• Articulation of the exact feelings that the client expresses symbolically (Townsend & Morgan, 2017);
• The nurse is looking for clues about how the client is feeling;
• It is a way to demonstrate active listening (Townsend & Morgan, 2017);
• Allows building a more trusting relationship with the client (Sheikh, 2020);
• Used when feelings are expressed indirectly.

Formulating a plan of action

• Planning helps in reducing anxiety and stress levels;
• Planning allows the client to avoid the stress of experiencing unmanageable conditions;
• May begin with a summary of the main points of discussion (Townsend & Morgan, 2017);
• Most effective at the end of a session or interview (Sheikh, 2020);
• Used as an introduction to future care planning.

Using silence

• Implies pauses of several seconds or minutes without a verbal response;
• Allows the client to organize and analyze thoughts (Townsend & Morgan, 2017);
• Used to prepare for the development of a larger topic;
• Allows the client to take control of the discussion if necessary (Sheikh, 2020);
• The nurse should wait for the client to formulate thoughts or feelings.

Accepting

• Conveys regard and positive attitude (Townsend & Morgan, 2017);
• Creates a comfortable atmosphere for the client to express feelings;
• Helps to show empathy and concern;
• Implies the absence of judgment for any feelings of the client;
• It is especially necessary when expressing negative feelings such as anger or sadness (Sheikh, 2020).

References

Sheikh, A. A.(2020). Handbook of therapeutic imagery techniques. Routledge.

Townsend, M. C., & Morgan, K. (2017). Psychiatric mental health nursing: Concepts of care in evidence-based practice. F.A. Davis.

Varcarolis, E. M., & Fosbre, C. D. (2020). Essentials of psychiatric mental health nursing. Elsevier Health Sciences.