“ For me, writing is exploration; and
most of the time, I'm surprised where the
journey takes me.” Jack Dann
Introduction to Therapeutic Writing
Words are a very powerful tool! Since
we were young we were taught that it is a vital
form of communication. We use the written word
to communicate our thoughts to others. However
not many individuals realize that we can use
this method for ourselves. We can use this same
process for our own therapeutic value.
Through our own written word we communicate
our deepest thoughts in order to help us heal.
It is a therapeutic tool for self-healing while
we deal with the myriad of situations in our
lives. Therapeutic
writing can be done in different forms:
- Writing journals
- Letter therapy
- Poetry
- Creative Writing
In an Assisted Living facility and
nursing home environment the same techniques
apply. Therapeutic writing is good for the heart
and soul. In the group setting you can reminisce
about the past by engaging in an enlightening
conversation. In it you discover the healing
power of words.
Benefits
of Therapeutic Writing
Writing is healthy
for the heart and soul although it is a little
known fact. It is a wonderful therapeutic tool
to utilize for simple healing. It is so
simple that it is easy. All that is needed
is a pen and paper. On this paper you can
formulate your thoughts. Once it is written
down, your feelings become a concrete item. By
writing the situation/feelings down you are able
to release anxiety that fills your being. Once
your stress levels have lowered then you are
able to look at the situation with more clarity.
Writing provides the following therapeutic value:
- Emotionally beneficial
- Aids in physical recovery
- It is easy to do.
Writing not only reduces
the emotional stress of the individual but science
reveals the benefits to the physical body are
profound.
- According to the 1999 Journal of
Medicine Association, “Asthma patients who
wrote about difficult situations improved their
lung function by an average of 19%.
- Rheumatoid arthritis patients who
wrote about these topics improved by an average
of 28%.
- For those individuals who suffer
from epilepsy, journaling is useful for mental
stimulation. It will aid in keeping the
mind active. This is a wonderful tool
for independent as well as small activities.
- In a hard scientific study conducted
by Dr. Jeffrey Pennibaker of the Southern Baptist
Church, recorded that if an individual writes
for 15-20 minutes per day on an especially
difficult matter these individuals' immune
system will increase. It remains elevated
for six weeks after the journaling episode.
- Cancer patients who journal benefit
because they can enjoy a high quality of life. Their
quality of life which includes, acceptance
of the illness, enjoyment of life and relationships,
and relationships with family and friends increase
as a result of journal work.
There is not a lot
of scientific research to support the therapeutic
value but there has been a tremendous amount
of phenomenal research done to support the benefits
of writing.
Denise Lima-Laskiewicz,
AAC, CRmT 1 is the owner of Heal Through Words, a
NJ-based Therapeutic Writing program for Nursing
Home and Assisted Living residents. For more information,
visit members.aol.com/healthroughwords.
