Who is credited with developing the practice of letter writing to clients and support leagues?

David Epston is credited with developing the practice of letter writing to clients, which is a significant technique in narrative therapy. This approach emphasizes the co-creation of meaning between the therapist and the client and often involves writing letters that reflect the client's strengths, document progress, and encourage further exploration. These letters serve not just as a form of feedback but as a supportive tool that validates the client's experience and fosters their sense of agency.

In narrative therapy, the letters are also a way to maintain a therapeutic presence between sessions, allowing clients to engage with the therapeutic work even outside of the therapy room. By focusing on the relational and contextual aspects of a client's story, Epston’s method enhances the therapeutic experience and encourages ongoing reflection and development.

Other figures mentioned, while influential in therapy—like Michael White, who is co-founder of narrative therapy, Virginia Satir known for her work in family therapy, and Carl Whitaker who is noted for experiential therapy—are not specifically associated with the practice of writing letters as a therapeutic intervention. Thus, David Epston stands out for this distinctive contribution to clinical practice.