During a therapy session, how should the nurse respond to a client who exhibits rigid, angry body language while expressing false gladness?

When a client displays rigid, angry body language while expressing false gladness, it indicates a significant incongruence between their verbal and nonverbal communication. Commenting on this incongruence helps to bring awareness to the client's emotional state and may facilitate deeper exploration of their feelings. This response encourages the client to reflect on their behavior and the emotions they are trying to communicate, fostering a therapeutic environment where genuine feelings can be addressed.

Highlighting the mismatch in their expressions can be a valuable intervention, as it may prompt the client to consider what they are truly feeling versus what they are presenting to others. This approach aligns with therapeutic techniques aimed at increasing self-awareness and promoting authentic communication, essential aspects of effective therapy.

In contrast, ignoring the comment and speaking privately may prevent the client from addressing crucial emotional content in the moment. Stating there is tension in the group could minimize the individual client’s experience and redirect attention away from their specific issues. Similarly, agreeing with the client about the importance of talking without addressing the underlying feelings could reinforce their facade rather than challenging it. By emphasizing the incongruence, the nurse provides a direct yet supportive opportunity for the client to engage more honestly with their emotions.