Written communication with survivors of sexual abuse. Use of letters in therapy.
1. Written therapeutic communication with clients can have a lasting impact by enhancing themes of a therapy session, commenting on strengths, and highlighting changes. 2. Therapeutic letters can be used to validate the sexual abuse survivor's experience, offer commendation, provide information, normalize day-to-day living, encourage reflection, and seek clarification. 3. The use of therapeutic letters is consistent with a family systems nursing approach to practice, in which the nurse focuses on strengths and resources, interactions, and reciprocity during contact with the patient.
Mental Health Services, Holy Cross Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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Harper-Jaques
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Masters
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000523:psychology*; D003142:Communication; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005196:Family Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010553:Personality Development; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D014956:Writing