Terapistles

Terapistles are brief, written messages intended to support psychotherapy or personal development. Typically concise and focused, they function as between-session prompts or digital micro-interventions. A terapistle may combine psychoeducational content, cognitive reframing, coping prompts, and values-oriented reflections, with the aim of reinforcing therapeutic gains between sessions.

Etymology and scope: the term is a neologism formed from therapy and epistle. It is not a universally standardized modality, but has appeared in clinical writings and in the practice guides of some counselors and digital-therapy tools. Terapistles can be produced by clinicians or by self-help authors and may be delivered in print, email, text message, or through app notifications.

Formats and content: terapistles come in various formats, including handwritten letters, postcards, or short electronic notes. Content is usually tailored to a person’s treatment goals and session themes, and may include reminders of coping skills, reframing prompts after a setback, or questions that provoke reflection about values and behavior.

Applications and effectiveness: used to sustain engagement, reinforce skills, and encourage practice of strategies learned during therapy. While some practitioners report beneficial effects on adherence and mood, rigorous evidence is limited, and terapistles are generally considered supplementary rather than a substitute for direct clinical care.

Ethical and practical considerations: practitioners should obtain informed consent, ensure privacy and data security, and tailor messages for cultural sensitivity and individual needs. Overuse or overly simplistic messages can be counterproductive; care should be taken to maintain appropriate therapeutic boundaries.

See also: Bibliotherapy; Therapeutic writing; Digital therapeutics; Cognitive-behavioral therapy; Mindfulness-based approaches.