Letter‐writing practices in a child and family service

Abstract

This study examined the letter-writing practices in a child and family psychology service. Utilizing a grounded theory approach to data collection and analysis, six clinical psychologists (including one pilot study) were interviewed about their letter-writing practices in relation to direct clinical work and in correspondence with other professionals. Analysis of the data yielded five themes: typical practices, use of clinical and micro skills, letters addressing the relationship with the family, messages to other professionals, and beliefs about the family. Findings suggest that letters are used in a variety of ways including being an aide-mémoire of the contents of face-toface meetings, directly addressing the therapeutic relationship with the client, demonstrating respect, and informing other professionals of psychological practices and views regarding clients and their presenting problems. It emerged that letter-writing is seen to exist in the wider context of social relationships, between the referrer, clinician and client. The results are discussed in relation to clinical practices and future areas of study.

Return to Sender: Letter Writing to Bring Hope to Both Client and Team

“…Also, complimenting Harry for his decision to become/remain sober and to take care of himself extends the idea of it being possible to be the kind of man he strives to be (Frankfurt & Penn, 1998); likewise, it offers him positive reinforcement upon which to reflect (France, Cadieax, & Allen, 1995). Lastly, the use of Harry's language (i.e., "wiping off the dust") along with the shifting language of presupposition prompts responsibility, reinforces goal attainment, and allows for future change (Goldberg, 2000;Vigden & Williams, 2001).…”

Finding the Place of Everyday Beauty: Correspondence as a Method of Data Collection

“…It has been explored in clinical practice and is used fairly commonly in the counseling community. (Marvarene et al, 2007;also Goldberg, 2000;Harris, 2000;Lindahl, 1988;Marner, 2000;Moules, 2003;Steinberg, 2000;Thomas, 1998;Vidgen & Williams, 2001. )…”

O uso das cartas terapêuticas na prática clínica

“…No que se refere às cartas escritas por terapeutas para pacientes, as pesquisas são em pequeno número, mas apontam um interesse para a área (Vidgen & Williams, 2001), ganhando destaque nos últimos dez anos. Apesar de não encontrarmos nenhum artigo relativo ao uso de cartas terapêuticas na literatura nacional, vários artigos começam a se destacar na literatura internacional.…”

“…Os artigos disponíveis abrangem uma variada gama de possibilidades, incluindo diferentes campos disciplinares, contextos de uso e populações clínicas. Dessa forma, no que se refere aos campos disciplinares/profissionais, as cartas terapêuticas são utilizadas na terapia familiar (Vidgen & Williams, 2001), na terapia em grupo (Chen, Noosbond & Bruce, 1998), no aconselhamento (Paré & Rombach, 2003) e na prática da equipe de enfermagem (Erlingsson, 2009). Os diferentes contextos de uso incluem desde a clínica psicoterápica em geral (Pyle, 2009) e as consultas psiquiátricas (Couper & Harari, 2004), passando pelas escolas com os adolescentes, pais e professores (Oliver, Nelson, Cade & Cueva, 2007), até o aconselhamento breve nas empresas (Wright, 2005).…”