What is true about the use of silence in therapeutic communication? (Select all that apply.)
A) Maintaining silence is an effective therapeutic communication technique.
B) Maintaining silence is generally overused in therapeutic communication.
C) The sender often becomes uncomfortable when using silence.
D) The ability to use silence effectively requires skill and timing.
E) Prolonged periods of misunderstood silence can cause tension.
F) Purposeful use of silence often conveys lack of respect.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Maintaining silence is an extremely effective therapeutic communication technique, and yet tends to be quite underused. Because silence often feels awkward in American society, people tend to feel the need to "fill" it. This impulse does not always allow the people involved in an interaction time to organize their thoughts sufficiently to communicate what they would like. It is common for a person to need several seconds after hearing a verbal message to interpret what has been stated and to formulate the most appropriate response. Unfortunately, the receiver often does not get this amount of time before a response is necessary. In many cases, the sender becomes uncomfortable with the silence and begins speaking again before the receiver has had an opportunity to formulate a response and is really ready to deliver it. The ability to use silence effectively requires skill and timing. It is easy for prolonged periods of misunderstood silence to cause uneasiness and tension. However, in many cases, purposeful use of silence conveys respect, understanding, caring, and support, and it is often used in conjunction with therapeutic touch.

What Is True About the Use of Silence in Therapeutic