Therapeutic Communication Analysis

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Therapeutic communication is a learned process that health care professionals must practice when interacting with people who share similarities with future clients. I practiced therapeutic communication when I volunteered to be a “buddy” for a special needs guest at the “Night to Shine” Prom at Genesis Church in Tallahassee. Tim Tebow’s foundation sponsors proms held at churches and community centers across the nation. The event pairs people with special needs with volunteers who agree to be their “buddy” for the night; the prom’s committee paired Justin and I. As a buddy, I ensure Justin participated in all the activities and safely returned home after the event. I used therapeutic communication with Justin during the night in order to meet …show more content…
Through my interaction and observation of Justin, I concluded that Justin that is a bold and confident young man. Justin wanted to dance on stage and I supported him to go on stage while I ensured he could safely get on and off the stage. Justin went on stage and started dancing in front of the crowd on stage. I did not try to control Justin’s actions, but allowed him to make choices for himself while ensuring his safety. Justin used this dance to establish relationships with his friends and new acquintances, including myself. According to Erikson’s eight stages of development, in early adulthood, young adults must develop intimate relationships or suffer feelings of isolation (Tamparo & Drake, 2008, p.239). I did not want Justin to feel isolated or uncomfortable with me, but at the same time, I did not want him to think we were initiating an intimate relationship. Justin flirted with me throughout the dance by inquiring about my personal relationships and my feelings towards him. Justin asked me if I had a boyfriend, did I like him, could he rub my feet, and if I wanted to go on a date with him. Instead of fueling his emotions by flirting back, I told Justin that we are just friends and that I am a volunteer at this event. I ensured Justin that we will enjoy ourselves at this prom, but clearly stated we will not date each other. After repeatedly telling …show more content…
I asked Justin what activities he wanted to do and he agreed to almost every activity the prom offered. I learned that Justin could not read well when we sung karaoke. Justin said he wanted to sing “You Belong with Me” by Taylor Swift. When it was Justin’s turn to sing, he wanted me to stand by him while he sung karaoke. Justin did not read the lyrics on the screen, but hummed the melody of the song and I sung the lyrics. I smiled and cheered Justin on while he sung on mic and told him he did a great job after the song was over. I did not want to make Justin feel uncomfortable by questioning why he did not sing the lyrics. I communicated and treated Justin like my peer even though I understood Justin has a disability. Various times throughout the night, Justin wanted me to complete simple tasks for him. For example, After Justin and I ate our food, Justin handed me his plate. I asked Justin “Are you done with your plate?” Justin replied “yes” and I showed him the location of the trashcan. Justin took the plate and threw it away. Through clear, courteous, and cohesive communication, I learned Justin could complete this task and I helped him complete it with my direction. This interaction shows how therapeutic communication can aid clients to be