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.