Therapeutic Communication Practices in the Drug Rehabilitation Program at Tampan Psychiatric Hospital

Abstract

The increasing abuse of drugs in Indonesia, including in Riau Province, emphasizes the importance of rehabilitation programs that rely not only on medical intervention but also on effective therapeutic communication. This study aims to analyze the therapeutic communication practices of counselors in the recovery of drug addicts at the Tampan Mental Hospital in Riau Province and the challenges that arise throughout the process. The study used a qualitative method with a case study approach through semi-structured interviews, non-participant observation, and documentation of nine informants consisting of counselors, residents' families, and hospital staff. The results showed that therapeutic communication was applied through four phases: pre-interaction, orientation, work, and termination, with the support of techniques such as Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, hypnotherapy, and coping skills training. The counselors' verbal and nonverbal communication strengthened the residents' trust, openness, and interpersonal awareness, while the Family Support Group program became a collaborative means of increasing family support. The study concluded that therapeutic communication plays an important role in shaping the residents' motivation, new identity, and successful recovery, and recommended strengthening post-rehabilitation interventions and the role of families in supporting the sustainability of recovery.