The relational letter in couple therapy: A narrative resource for the reconstruction of interpersonal ethics and welfare

Abstract

This paper is entirely focused on a specific therapeutic resource in couple therapy: the relational letter. This is a tool, that emerged from narrative therapy, designed to revitalise couples’ relational ethics and consists of two interviews and a writing task. First, the origin of the technique and its theoretical basis are explained. Then, we describe how to carry out the process with specific step-by-step instructions. In a third section, we reflect on the potential of the technique to generate relational change and the mechanisms involved. A brief case study is also presented, analyzing the impact of the technique on the couple’s welfare. Finally, the limitations of the procedure are discussed and future lines of development are outlined.