Writing As A Form of Therapy

Living Well

Self-Help With Expressive Writing

Today is the end of National Poetry Month, but please don't stop writing.  A form of writing known as expressive writing can actually make you feel better and process life events more effectively. The guy who discovered the power of expressive writing is James W. Pennebaker, a psychologist at the University of Texas. Expressive writing can be defined simply as an exploration of emotions and thoughts through writing.

For example the headlines this week would leave most people dismayed. It is at these times I find solace in the pen and pad. Writing down your thoughts and feelings about a difficult, stressful life experience can help you cope with the emotional fallout of such events.  

Expressive writing comes in many forms and has no set rules as with most other forms of writing.

Foundations of Expressive Writing (Tips For Getting Started)

• Try to write for at least 15 minutes for 3-4 consecutive days
• Get in touch with your senses and emotions
• Do Not worry about punctuation, spelling, and grammar errors.
• Give Yourself Time To Reflect After Writing

Learn more about expressive writing on the James W. Pennebaker website.

What’s On Your Mind and In Your Heart? Write it down.

Reminder! April 30th is "Poem In Your Pocket" day. Download Poems for Your Pocket via Poets.org