Writing As A Form of Expressive Therapy
Almost all of us have felt inspired to write at some point in our lives. Whether compelled by a teacher, a special experience, or by our own creativity, the result of this form of expression tends to remain constant: a feeling of relief and accomplishment ensues after the session. Because of the powerful cathartic experience that can result when one puts pen to paper, it’s no wonder that with time more and more people choose to practice therapeutic writing. It is called therapeutic writing when initiated and guided by a psychologist, otherwise it is also known as blogging. Haha..
Several interventions exist on-line, writing group leaders work in hospitals with patients dealing with their mental and physical illnesses and in university departments aiding student self-awareness and self-development. When administered at a distance it is useful for those who prefer to remain personally anonymous and are not ready to disclose their most private thoughts and anxieties in a face to face situation.
As with most forms of therapy, writing therapy is adapted and used to work with a wide range of psychoneurotic illnesses including bereavement, desertion and abuse. Many of these interventions take the form of classes where clients write on specific themes chosen by their psychologist or therapist. Assignments may include writing unsent letters to selected individuals, alive or dead, followed by imagined replies from the recipient or parts of the patient’s body, or a dialogue with the recovering alcoholic’s bottle of alcohol.
With anxiety disorder, rather than pushing thoughts of fear, self-doubt or distress of any kind into dark corners of the mind, it may be better to express the particulars of such thoughts. By doing so, it is possible to bring an understanding of the messages that root and feed the detrimental thinking habits. When one finds insight into the nature of the problem, the hurtful messages will be reduced or resolved, easing stress and facilitating a more satisfying life.
The reasons behind expressive catharsis are still largely a matter of speculation, but it has been suggested that expression relieves inhibitory processes in the nervous system that result from suppressing thoughts and desires. Thus, therapy through writing can help someone by allowing relief from the effects of the forces of suppression by opening avenues for self-expression and exploration.
Top 3 things to remember in therapeutic writing:
1) Don’t be pedantically fixated on grammar, tenses and the rules of your choice of language.
2) Write as if no one will ever read it. Write for yourself and not for anyone else.
3) Be honest and truthful in your expressions and thoughts.