Name : Nufaisah Amaliyah
Class : STR Keperawatan KI
NIM : P0170324125
Subject : psychiatric nursing
Lecturer : Ns.Nehru Nugroho,M.Kep.
THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION PLAN FOR PATIENTS WITH ANXIETY
A. Definition
Anxiety is a vague, uneasy feeling of discomfort or dread, often accompanied by autonomic
symptoms such as palpitations, restlessness, or difficulty concentrating. It may or may not have a
specific cause.
B. Goals of Therapeutic Communication
1. To help the patient express feelings of anxiety.
2. To provide emotional support and security.
3. To assist the patient in understanding and managing anxiety.
4. To establish a trusting therapeutic relationship.
C. Therapeutic Communication Techniques
Technique Description Example
Active listening Giving full attention and “I’m here to listen. Please,
showing emphaty tell me what you’re feeling”
Validating feelings Acknowledging the patient’s “it’s understandable that
emotions you’re feeling this way”
Minimal encouragement Encouraging the patient to “and then what happened?”
continue speaking or nodding
Reflection Repeating or summarizing the “so, you feel nervous when
patient’s statements you are alone, is that right?”
Clarification Ensuring clear understanding “do you mean you felt
afraid when you heard that
sound?”
Therapeutic silence Allowing quiet time for the (remaind calm and quiet
patient to express themselves while showing interest)
Providing information Explaining facts or procedures “your blood pressure is
calmly slightly elevated, which
may be due to anxiety?”
D. Phases of Therapeutic Communication
1. Pre-Interaction Phase
Nurse prepares emotionally and mentally.
Reviews patient data and understands background.
Sets an empathic intention to help the patient.
2. Orientation Phase
• Introduce self and explain purpose of the interaction.
• Establish trust and safety.
• Example: “Good morning, I’m Nurse Nufaisah. I’ll be with you today. I’d like to
listen and help you feel more at ease.”
3. Working Phase
• Focus on patient’s feelings and thoughts.
• Assist the patient in identifying triggers and coping strategies.
• Explore emotional responses.
• Example: “What do you usually do when you start feeling anxious? Is there anything
that helps calm you down?”
4. Termination Phase
• Summarize key points of the conversation.
• Provide reassurance and follow-up plan.
• Example: “Thank you for sharing with me. We can continue this later, and I’ll be
here if you need to talk again.”
E. Sample Dialogue
Patient: “I feel so scared… like I can’t breathe…”
Nurse:
• “Would it be okay if I sit here with you for a moment?” (creates safety)
• “Can you tell me what’s making you feel this way?” (clarification)
• “That feeling is really tough. I’m here with you.” (emotional support)
• “Let’s take a deep breath together, okay? One… two… three…” (guided relaxation)
• “Have you felt this way before?” (exploration)
• “You’re doing a great job trying to stay calm.” (positive reinforcement)
F. evaluation of communication
Criteria Indicator
Verbal Patient is able to express feelings and identify anxiety triggers
Non-verbal Breathing becomes more regular, patient appears calmer
Emotional Patient states feeling relieved after the conversation
G. Follow-up Actions
• Continue open communication during every shift.
• Teach relaxation techniques (deep breathing, visualization, distraction).
• Document patient responses in the nursing progress notes.
