The Therapeutic Effect of Writing

August 08, 2017

The therapeutic effect of writing is reflected in the use of the act [of writing] as an avenue for treating patients suffering from mental and/or emotional disorders. This is the foundation upon which writing therapy is built. Writing therapy is a form of corrective therapy that utilizes cogitative writing to boost an individual’s emotional and mental well-being.

This form of writing has been found to be very important in treating patients that are suffering from neurotic disorders like depression, obsessive, compulsive disorders and even those who are dealing with certain physical ailments. The field of writing therapy attempts to maximise the connection that exists between mind and body in order to ensure wholeness.

Types of Therapeutic Writing

There are certain types of therapeutic writing, and we shall be looking at three (3) of them. Before venturing into that, it is important to state that each of the writing that would be discussed here, are not uncommon. However, to therapeutically benefit from writing, one needs to consciously and consistently be engaged in the process. Now, the followings are some forms of therapeutic writing.

Letter Composition

Writing is a traditional way of communicating one’s thoughts to others. Expressing one’s thoughts [in writing] makes it possible for you to flow easily without any pressure or emotional tension placed on you. Although this practice (letter writing) looks to be under threat with the emergence of electronic forms of communication but it remains a viable way of easing off stress.

Journaling

This is more like keeping a record- albeit through writing- of one’s activities. With this, you don’t have to bottle issues up in your mind. Journaling [which is sometimes referred to as free writing] does not permit worrying to have a ‘deep seat’ in one’s mind. Thus, this could help remedy depression.

Written poetry

Poetry has always been a means of expressing vivid emotions. This form of passionate writing could have nearly the same effect on your cognition as a puzzle game or a chess game would. The steps taken in creatively putting ideas together will ultimately improve the functionality of the brain.