Letters that are narrative in nature often document and summarize the session and are used for the following purposes: 1. Assure the client that the therapist has correctly heard the client's narrative. The client is positioned as the last editor of their tale in the letter. 2. Provide the reader with a convenient way to gain additional insight into the therapeutic process. 3. Give the client a chance to review his/her progress during therapy. 4. Comfort the client. 5. Keep the client informed of developments in his/her case. Generally, letters that are not narrative in nature include reports on assessments made; recommendations for treatment; discussions of relevant theories or concepts; or any other type of communication that does not give the client information about what has happened in therapy or why it is being done. Such letters may be useful as a tool for the therapist to understand the problem being treated but they do not provide information for the client to understand his/her own problem. Narrative letters are usually written on standard forms provided by the agency where the therapist practices. These forms usually ask questions about the client's history and current symptoms and offer space for the therapist to comment on these topics. The form may also include space for the therapist to describe the most important changes that have occurred in the client's life since the beginning of therapy.