Final answer:
The primary goal of therapeutic communication is to enhance the patient's overall health via a deep connection and understanding, facilitating their active participation in care to achieve better health outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The overall goal of therapeutic communication is to improve the patient's health. This process is achieved through specific techniques like using specific terms or jargon, enunciating clearly, and utilizing respectful language. Therapeutic communication extends beyond simply explaining health information or diagnosing a problem. It aims to build a trusting relationship that facilitates healing and meets the patient's needs. Echoing the principles of the Freudian "talking cure", therapeutic communication is about connecting and understanding the patient on a deeper level. Such communication helps patients make sense of their health experiences and empowers them to be active participants in their care, leading to a better health outcome. This approach aligns with the goals of health professionals, such as physiotherapists, who use assessment and communication to design personalized rehabilitation programs that focus on improving physical functioning.