Author: P. Gregg Blanton

Journal of Psychology and Christianity, Vol 25(1), Spr 2006. pp. 77-86

Abstract:

A review of the literature on spiritual interventions reveals that the Christian practice of letter writing is missing from Christian psychotherapy. Using concepts from the disciplines of Christian spiritual direction and narrative family therapy, this article brings the ancient Christian tradition of letter writing back into the contemporary psychotherapy setting. Based upon an integrated approach, this article leads Christian psychotherapists through the process of creating and sending letters that incorporate Christian spirituality into the therapeutic process. The rationale, purpose, tone, language, and components of a letter, as well as the five spiritual elements of a letter, are clearly outlined. Finally, this article offers a case study to illustrate the use of this reclaimed spiritual intervention: letter writing.