EXPRESSIVE WRITING THERAPY
Expressive Writing and Journaling can be integrated into psychodynamic/psychoanalytic therapy as an added way of helping patients develop insight, coping skills, emotional regulation and problem solving. Research shows that it can:
Help people create a narrative of their life while focusing on “stories that heal” instead of “stories that wound”
Enable people to develop insight by organizing their thoughts and help create a more cohesive understanding of themselves and the situations they are in
Allow people to create goals and track/monitor their progress
Provide an emotional release which can improve physical health and immune system functioning
Emphasize the importance of using positive words and positive thoughts to improve health and self-esteem
Allow people to notice the change in their emotions, even from the beginning to end of a journal entry or writing prompt
Facilitate the development of new neural pathways!
EXPRESSIVE WRITING GROUPS
For those who looking to learn how to use expressive writing to support their emotional health and even develop a lifelong practice, groups can be a great option. Each group is a combination of psycho-education, writing exercises in response to prompts and discussion. Participants are invited to share, but never required. One of the reasons I love expressive writing and journaling is that it can be helpful for those who have not connected with more traditional forms of “talk therapy”.
A group for teens is starting this January with more groups for other ages to follow!
