Letters From the Clinic: Letter Writing in Clinical Practice for Mental Health Professionals

by Steinberg; Derek

• ISBN13: 9780415205047
• ISBN10: 0415205042
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2000-08-24
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

In every field of therapeutic practice a significant amount of time is spent writing letters about and to patients. InLetters From the ClinicDerek Steinberg applies detailed literary and psychological analysis to over 40 letters, highlighting why certain words or phrases were used, how they could have been put better, and builds around them principles and theoretical positions based on narrative therapy, consultative approaches and the psychological impact of words and phrases. Using the context of child, adolescent and family psychiatry, while also applicable to all therapeutic work, the book deals with issues such as * explaining clinical conditions and treatments * confirming clinical contracts * conveying difficult advice and painful news * missed appointments and unpaid bills Each letter is followed by detailed annotations and discussion. Letters From the Clinicwill prove a valuable tool to all those working in clinical and therapeutic practice.

Table of Contents

Foreword	vii
Preface	ix
Introduction: reasons for writing	1	(15)
Letters: benefits, risks and side-effects	16	(8)
Beginnings: invitations to the clinic	24	(10)
Writing for referrer and patient	34	(20)
Work in progress I: starting, negotiating, renegotiating	54	(12)
Work in progress II: general maintenance	66	(25)
Some special situations	91	(12)
Endings	103	(6)
What recipients think of letters	109	(5)
Conclusions	114	(8)
Epilogue	122	(1)
References	123	(4)
General index	127	(2)
Clinical index	129