Caring for those without words: a perspective on aphasia.

A technical grasp of a medical condition does not always give a person a sense of the emotions behind the disease. Medical professionals, of course, cannot afford to be emotionally invested in every illness they see. Some amount of distance is needed for them to maintain their own emotional health and to give good care to patients.

Loss and hope: strategies for coping with aphasia.

Speaking from almost 30 years of experience living with aphasia, the author offers suggestions for health care professionals who relate to persons with this disorder. Persons with aphasia should be involved in meaningful activities, learn to accept limitations, build trusting relationships, strengthen social support, and find tools that facilitate communication.

Therapeutic listening: developing the concept.

1. Therapeutic listening is an art that all nurses, especially psychiatric nurses, must possess to be effective. Listening has been listed as the most effective therapeutic technique available.