Therapeutic Communication Terms

noun a movement or process in which someone or something moves repeatedly in one direction and then in the opposite direction

adverb moving repeatedly in one direction and then in the opposite direction

• The negotiations went back and forth between the two parties for weeks.
• We kept going back and forth on which restaurant to choose for dinner.
• We were texting back and forth all night.
• Her emotions were going back and forth like a pendulum.

noun a conversation or dialogue, especially a formal one

adjective colloquial - informal or conversational in style

• The scholars engaged in a deep colloquy about the implications of the new research findings.
• During our lunch break, we had a friendly colloquy about our favorite TV shows.
• The group chat turned into a heated colloquy about who was the best rapper of all time.
• The dance between light and shadow was a beautiful colloquy of colors on the walls.

adjective unable to hear or having impaired hearing

preposition indicating a lack of response or awareness to something

• The company seemed deaf to the concerns raised by its employees.
• She's completely deaf to any advice I give her.
• He's just deaf to all the haters out there.
• The politician appeared deaf to the cries for change from the public.

verb to have sympathy or empathy for someone

preposition used to indicate empathy or understanding towards someone

• I have a deep sense of empathy and understanding for their situation.
• I really feel for them and what they're going through.
• My heart goes out to them, I really feel for their struggles.
• I can feel for the characters in the book as if they were real people.

noun a conversation or discussion

verb to communicate by speaking

adjective pertaining to or involving talking or conversation

adverb in a manner that involves speaking or communication

• I would like to schedule a time to talk about the upcoming project.
• Let's have a chat about our weekend plans.
• We should catch up and have a little gossip session.
• The colors in this painting seem to talk to each other, creating a harmonious composition.

noun a spoken word, statement, or vocal sound

adjective relating to speech or vocal expression

• The professor analyzed every utterance made during the debate.
• I couldn't understand his utterance because he was mumbling.
• His utterance was totally on point, bro.
• Her silence spoke louder than any utterance could.