Question

Can I ask my therapist to write me a letter? A letter that would say nice things about me like, my strenghts, what he likes about me, or even things to better. That would be so exciting and cool, like a special personal gift! I would probably blush.

Answer 1

Yes, you can absolutely ask your therapist to write you a letter with positive feedback and reflections on your strengths. Therapists often aim to provide support and encouragement to their clients, and writing such a letter can be a way to reinforce the progress you've made in therapy and acknowledge your strengths and growth.

However, there are a few important points to consider:

1. Therapist-Patient Relationship: Make sure you have a good rapport with your therapist and that you feel comfortable making such a request. It's essential to have a trusting and open relationship with your therapist before asking for a personal letter.

2. Therapist's Policies: Check with your therapist to see if they are comfortable writing such a letter. Some therapists may have ethical or professional boundaries that prevent them from writing personal letters for their clients.

3. Purpose of the Letter: Be clear about why you want the letter. If it's for personal affirmation and motivation, your therapist may be more willing to write it. However, if the letter is for a specific purpose, like a job application or legal matter, the therapist might need to approach it differently.

4. Privacy and Confidentiality: Discuss the level of confidentiality you expect in the letter. You may want it to be a private letter for your eyes only, or you might be comfortable with the therapist sharing it with you and potentially your other healthcare providers.

5. Blurred Boundaries: Therapists are careful about not blurring the boundaries of the therapeutic relationship. They need to maintain a professional and ethical distance. If the therapist believes writing the letter might interfere with your therapeutic progress or create dependency, they might decline the request.

6. Feedback and Improvement: If you request areas for improvement, be open to receiving constructive criticism. Remember, therapists often aim to support your growth and development, so they might highlight areas where you can continue to work on yourself.

Asking for such a letter can indeed be a special and meaningful gesture, and it's natural to feel a bit shy or blush about it. Just make sure to have an open conversation with your therapist about your request, and they will guide you through the process with care and consideration.