Description: In every field of therapeutic practice a significant amount of time is spent writing letters about and to patients. In Letter Writing in Clinical Practice Derek Steinberg applies detailed literary and psychological analysis to over 40 letters, highlighting why certain words or phrases were used and how they could have been put better. Steinberg 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 such issues as: explaining terminology, clinical conditions, and treatments; the second opinion; confirming clinical contracts; conveying difficult advice and painful news; confidentiality and consent; everyday practical matters- appointments, maintaining contact, billing, informal messages; and what patients think of letters. Each letter is accompanied by detailed annotations and discussions.

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