title: The past and future of therapeutic letters: family suffering and healing words.
abstract: This article explores the technological implications of the translation of therapeutic letters to therapeutic e-mail communication. The history of letters is juxtaposed with the currency with which the written language locates itself in today's methods and patterns of communication. Implications of such a translation, inherent with gifts and limitations, all deeply embedded in a historical context, are explored. The future of therapeutic letters continues to be located in their utility and ultimately their capacity to offer healing and helpful words to families in suffering.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. N.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada. njmoules@ucalgary.ca
authors.forename: Nancy J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Moules
mesh_terms: D015709:Correspondence as Topic; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D034742:Electronic Mail; D022143:Family Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans