Use of Letter Writing as a Means of Integrating an Altered Body Image: A Case Study

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To describe the use of letter writing as a technique to assist patients in adjusting to an altered body image after dramatic cancer treatment. DATA SOURCES: Published articles and books. DATA SYNTHESIS: Gestalt therapy, psychosynthesis, and journaling techniques evolve into a technique that can assist patients who are challenged to accept altered body parts. CONCLUSIONS: Described in a case study presentation, letter writing was found to assist female patients with recurrent breast cancer in adjusting to reconstruction of lost breasts. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Nurses can use letter writing as a means of assisting patients through the grief process associated with body image alterations.