Sweetprincess

I don't think there is a book/recipe for therapeutic communication. The withdrawn or depressed patients will be harder to engage than others who spontaneously initiate conversation. The key is to LISTEN, LISTEN. Be resourceful, if you don't know something that you are asked, find out. Be honest and keep promises. It is probably best to avoid promises in psych.(just do whatever you would promise as a surprise).Make sure you introduce yourself before you start asking a slew of questions. Avoid the urge to divulge all personal info...Remember patients aren't therapists. Set limits on inappropriate conversations(difficult for some to do).