What technique is used by a CTRS when bringing personal items to trigger discussions about past experiences?

• A. Remotivation
• B. Reality orientation
• C. Reminiscence
• D. Relaxation response

Answer: (C)

The technique of reminiscence is specifically designed to facilitate discussions about past experiences by using personal items as prompts. This approach leverages an individual's memories tied to tangible objects, allowing them to recall and share moments from their past. This can be particularly effective in therapeutic settings, especially for individuals with cognitive impairments or those in elder care, as it helps them connect with their identity and fosters engagement in conversation.

Reminiscence also provides benefits beyond just engagement; it allows individuals to explore their life stories, which can enhance emotional well-being and strengthen social connections with others. By reminiscing, clients can reflect on positive memories, which can serve as a source of comfort and joy.

In contrast, the other options serve different purposes. Remotivation aims at rekindling interest and engagement in meaningful activities, reality orientation focuses on providing accurate information about the current time and place to enhance awareness, and relaxation response techniques promote stress reduction and calmness. Each serves its own unique function in therapeutic contexts, but reminiscence is specifically tailored to evoke personal memories linked to past experiences, making it the ideal choice in this scenario.