THERAPEUTIC LANGUAGE

Doctors, dentists, office staff and other medical professionals can increase their effectiveness and patient satisfaction through the skillful use of therapeutic language. As a medical professional, you are viewed as an authority figure by your patients and as such you are in a position to deliver suggestions that can have a powerful effect. The language you use with your patients has a tremendous impact.  Every day is busy in the medical world and after repeating the same materials many times over, office staff and even doctors often take it for granted that patients will understand the good intentions behind their words. Unfortunately these brief exchanges are sometimes misinterpreted and may have an effect that actually makes your job harder and more stressful and your work less effective.  

Research shows that the mindset of a patient can have a huge impact on the outcome of any medical treatment. More and more medical professionals are becoming aware of the tremendous benefits good therapeutic communication provides. It can provide more patient comfort, less need for supplementary medications, and a feeling of empowerment and participation. It can also have a major positive impact on outcome and recovery time which leads to greater patient satisfaction, more referrals and fewer problems.