Letters From the Clinic

In every field of therapeutic practice a significant amount of time is spent writing letters about and to patients. In Letters From the Clinic Derek 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 other practicalities Each letter is followed by detailed annotations and discussion. Letters From the Clinic will prove a valuable tool to all those working in clinical and therapeutic practice.

Derek Steinberg is a Consultant in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He trained in Oxford, at the Maudsley and at the Tavistock Institute in London. He worked at the Maudsley and Bethlem Royal Hospitals where he directed the Adolescent Unit for twenty years before going on to Ticehurst House Hospital in Sussex. He has published six books and taught widely in the UK and abroad, and has a special interest in the relationships between literature and the arts and psychiatry.

Chapter 1 Introduction; Chapter 2 later.Letters; Chapter 3 Beginnings; Chapter 4 Writing for Referrer and Patient; Chapter 5 Work in Progress I; Chapter 6 Work in Progress II; Chapter 7 Some Special Situations; Chapter 8 Endings; Chapter 9 What Recipients Think of Letters; Chapter 10 Conclusions;