O uso das cartas terapêuticas na prática clínica

Abstract

Considering the scarcity of studies about the use of therapeutic letters in the national literature, this article seeks to promote the debate on its potential. Thus, we present the therapeutic letters as a resource for clinical practice, which is understood, at the same time, as a form of documentation and a therapeutic intervention. From a review of the literature, we contextualize the development of the therapeutic letter in clinical settings, explaining its history, uses and functions. Based on a narrative perspective, we describe the definitions, types, general principles and practical recommendations for the letter-writing by therapists. Finally, we emphasize the importance of anepistemologically oriented practice, and the need for an analysis of the implications of the use of letters in the Brazilian context.