In responding to a client who reports hearing voices, which statement demonstrates therapeutic communication?

In responding to a client who reports hearing voices, which statement demonstrates therapeutic communication?

• A. I do not hear the voices.
• B. I understand you are frightened by the voices, and I will stay with you.
• C. Don't listen to what the voices tell you.
• D. Why don't you sit with the other clients and watch TV?

Answer: (B)

When someone reports hearing voices, respond with empathy, validation, and presence rather than denial or dismissal. The statement shown demonstrates therapeutic communication by recognizing the client’s fear and offering reassurance through your continued presence. Saying “I understand you are frightened by the voices, and I will stay with you” validates the distress, communicates safety, and builds trust, which helps the client feel supported and less isolated. Options that deny the experience, tell the person to ignore the voices, or redirect them away from their distress do not foster trust or safety and can increase anxiety or frustration.

When someone reports hearing voices, respond with empathy, validation, and presence rather than denial or dismissal. The statement shown demonstrates therapeutic communication by recognizing the client’s fear and offering reassurance through your continued presence. Saying “I understand you are frightened by the voices, and I will stay with you” validates the distress, communicates safety, and builds trust, which helps the client feel supported and less isolated.

Options that deny the experience, tell the person to ignore the voices, or redirect them away from their distress do not foster trust or safety and can increase anxiety or frustration.