Which of the following is NOT a therapeutic technique?

• A. Summarizing, probing, defending.
• B. Silence, restating, broad openings, reflecting.
• C. Exploring, reflecting, listening to delusions and accepting them.
• D. Confrontation, advice, explaining, agreeing.

Answer: (A)

In therapeutic communication, the goal is to help the client express themselves, feel understood, and gain insight through supportive, nondefensive approaches. Defending the client is not a therapeutic technique because it shuts down open exploration and can make the client feel the therapist is protecting them from reality or taking sides. That defensive stance blocks the kind of honest processing that therapy aims to promote.

The other approaches reflect common therapeutic tools: offering space through silence allows reflection; restating and reflecting show you’re listening and help clarify meaning; broad openings invite the client to share more; exploring the client’s experiences and validating their feelings—even when considering delusions—builds trust and keeps the conversation collaborative. Confrontation, giving advice, explanations, or agreeing can be more directive and may not fit the typical patient-centered technique, but they are not the defining non-therapeutic element here.