Module 1 · Section 10 · Case Illustration
The Referral Letter
A referral arrives with a diagnosis, a formulation and a reporting arrangement already attached to it. The client has not seen any of them.
The situation
A sex therapist receives a faxed referral from a gynecologist asking for ‘therapy for sexual dysfunction.’ The referral letter contains significant medical detail and assumes the therapist will coordinate care back to the gynecologist's office.
Estimated time to complete this exercise: 8 minutes
Part 1 of 4
Dr. Helena Okonkwo, MD FRCSC
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Re: Nadia Bassi, DOB 12 March 1991
Dear Colleague,
Thank you for accepting this referral for therapy for sexual dysfunction.
Ms Bassi has been under my care for eighteen months, initially for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and more recently for persistent dyspareunia. Examination in June was unremarkable and swabs were negative. I have trialled topical oestrogen and lidocaine gel with limited benefit. She reports reduced desire and avoidance of intercourse, and her partner has attended two appointments with her.
Given the absence of an ongoing organic explanation I suspect a significant psychological component, and would be grateful for your assessment and treatment.
Please copy me on your intake formulation and provide updates following each block of sessions so that we can coordinate her care.
Yours sincerely,
H. Okonkwo
The referral has arrived and you have not yet met Ms Bassi. What is already true?
Select all that apply. Four of the seven hold. You get one submission.
References
- Canadian Psychological Association. (2017). Canadian code of ethics for psychologists (4th ed.). https://cpa.ca/aboutcpa/committees/ethics/codeofethics/
- College of Psychologists of Ontario. (2022). Standards of professional conduct. https://www.cpo.on.ca/en/public/standards-of-professional-conduct/