Empathy is a vital skill in therapeutically communicating with a client, though is not an easy skill to use. This skill requires four different items: correct understanding, acceptance, accurate perception and proper communication. A nurse needs to be able to understand and accept how the patient is feeling, and be able to perceive their feelings accurately. In order for it to be effective, the communication must convey understanding of the situation and open up the client to be able to respond back, instead of pitying the patient. An example of correctly communicated empathy is "It must be difficult wanting to do something and being unable to do so." This allows the patient to know you understand what's going on, without offering pity or judgement.
Sharing hope is a powerful therapeutic communication tool. Hope is a force of nature, and should be conveyed as such, allowing the patient to understand that the possibility for improvement is open-ended. To share hope with a patient, the nurse needs to encourage the patient when appropriate and provide positive feedback. Hope bears that all things are possible, believes all things are possible, and this is what the nurse wants to communicate to the patient, their belief in the patient's strength to overcome any obstacle, and for the patient's future to become better as a result.
Sharing humor provides a great and positive way for nurse/patient bonding. Being able to share laughter with a person lets them know that you care, and helps reduce tensions. This skill also makes it easier for the nurse to get on with their work, and draws out the client's personality with their defenses down, allowing perceptions of equality and acceptance. Use of humor is indicative of mental well-being. This communication technique helps staff relations as well by prevention, perception, and perspective. Whenever a crisis or code occurs, using humor will break through some tension, allowing better staff interaction, as well as ease client worry about the nature of the crisis.