Which option is NOT a therapeutic communication technique?

• A. Using open-ended questions.
• B. Reflective listening.
• C. Using authoritative medical jargon to impress the patient.
• D. Empathy.

Answer: (C)

Therapeutic communication centers on inviting the patient to share, validating their feelings, and building trust. Using open-ended questions invites the patient to describe concerns in their own words and provides richer information than yes/no prompts. Reflective listening demonstrates that you’re accurately hearing and interpreting what they’ve said, which reinforces understanding and connection. Empathy helps the patient feel cared for and understood, reducing anxiety and promoting openness.

In contrast, using authoritative medical jargon to impress the patient places emphasis on the clinician’s knowledge rather than clear, patient-centered understanding. It can create confusion, distance, and a sense of being talked down to, which undermines trust and collaboration. For these reasons, that approach is not a therapeutic communication technique.