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Writing therapy is a form of [[expressive]] therapy that uses the act of writing and processing the written [[word]] as therapy. Writing therapy posits that writing one's [[feelings]] gradually eases pain and strengthens the immune system[1]. Writing therapeutically can take place [[individually]] or in a [[group]] and it can be administered in [[person]] with a therapist or remotely through mailing or [[the Internet]].

Writing therapy is a form of [[expressive]] therapy that uses the act of writing and processing the written [[word]] as therapy. Writing therapy posits that writing one's [[feelings]] gradually eases pain and strengthens the immune system[1]. Writing therapeutically can take place [[individually]] or in a [[group]] and it can be administered in [[person]] with a therapist or remotely through mailing or [[the Internet]].

The field of writing therapy includes many practitioners in a variety of settings. The therapy is usually administered by a therapist or counselor. A comprehensive [[fiction]]al account of the [[process]] of recovery through writing can be found in the novel, ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Writing_Therapy Writing Therapy]''[2], by Tim Atkinson. 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.

The field of writing therapy includes many practitioners in a variety of settings. The therapy is usually administered by a therapist or counselor. A comprehensive [[fiction]]al account of the [[process]] of recovery through writing can be found in the novel, ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Writing_Therapy Writing Therapy]''[2], by Tim Atkinson. 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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychoneurotic 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 therapist or counselor. 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.

As with most forms of therapy, writing therapy is adapted and used to work with a wide range of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychoneurotic 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 therapist or counselor. 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.

==Research into the therapeutic action of writing==

==Research into the therapeutic action of writing==

By far the greater part of the [[research]] into writing therapy has been conducted in the US, especially in recent years. The earliest and most important work was directed by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_W._Pennebaker James W. Pennebaker][1], a [[psychology]] professor who became deeply interested in the physical and mental benefits of self disclosure.

By far the greater part of the [[research]] into writing therapy has been conducted in the US, especially in recent years. The earliest and most important work was directed by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_W._Pennebaker James W. Pennebaker][1], a [[psychology]] professor who became deeply interested in the physical and mental benefits of self disclosure.

In Pennebaker’s [[original]] [[experiments]] one group of his students was directed to write for 20 minutes on three consecutive days on the worst traumas of their lives, while an equal number was asked to write of trivial matters.  

In Pennebaker’s [[original]] [[experiments]] one group of his students was directed to write for 20 minutes on three consecutive days on the worst traumas of their lives, while an equal number was asked to write of trivial matters.  

First, the amount of undisclosed trauma in the life of the average American student was surprisingly high. And secondly, there was a marked difference between these two groups of students. In those who had written of trivial matters there was no [[change]] either in their [[physical]] or [[mental]] [[health]] whereas those who had done these brief trauma-recall exercises showed a marked strengthening of their immune system, decreased visits to the doctor and significant increases in [[psychological]] well-being. These findings were measured using physiological markers (long term serum measures, antibody levels, cell activity, enzyme levels, muscular activity, etc.) behavioural markers and self-report (distress, [[depression]], etc).[2]

First, the amount of undisclosed trauma in the life of the average American student was surprisingly high. And secondly, there was a marked difference between these two groups of students. In those who had written of trivial matters there was no [[change]] either in their [[physical]] or [[mental]] [[health]] whereas those who had done these brief trauma-recall exercises showed a marked strengthening of their immune system, decreased visits to the doctor and significant increases in [[psychological]] well-being. These findings were measured using physiological markers (long term serum measures, antibody levels, cell activity, enzyme levels, muscular activity, etc.) behavioural markers and self-report (distress, [[depression]], etc).[2]

Following on from Pennebaker’s original work, there has been a renewed interest in the therapeutic [[value]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abreaction abreaction]. This was first discussed by Josef Breuer and Freud in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Studies_on_Hysteria Studies on Hysteria] but not much explored since.

Following on from Pennebaker’s original work, there has been a renewed interest in the therapeutic [[value]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abreaction abreaction]. This was first discussed by Josef Breuer and Freud in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Studies_on_Hysteria Studies on Hysteria] but not much explored since.

An additional line of inquiry that has particular bearing on the [[difference]] between talking and writing derives from Robert Ornstein’s studies (The Right Mind:1997) into the bicameral structure of the brain. L’Abate postulates that:

An additional line of inquiry that has particular bearing on the [[difference]] between talking and writing derives from Robert Ornstein’s studies (The Right Mind:1997) into the bicameral structure of the brain. L’Abate postulates that:

This requires the services of a counselor or therapist, albeit sitting at a computer. Given the huge disjunction between the amount of mental illness compared with the paucity of skilled resources, new ways have been sought to provide therapy other than drugs. In the more advanced societies pressure for cost-effective treatments, supported by evidence-based results, has come from both insurance companies and government agencies. Hence the decline in long term intensive [[psychoanalysis]] and the rise of much briefer forms, such as cognitive therapy.

This requires the services of a counselor or therapist, albeit sitting at a computer. Given the huge disjunction between the amount of mental illness compared with the paucity of skilled resources, new ways have been sought to provide therapy other than drugs. In the more advanced societies pressure for cost-effective treatments, supported by evidence-based results, has come from both insurance companies and government agencies. Hence the decline in long term intensive [[psychoanalysis]] and the rise of much briefer forms, such as cognitive therapy.

==Writing Therapy via the Internet==

==Writing Therapy via the Internet==

Currently the most widely used mode of Internet Writing Therapy is via e-mail; see analytic psychotherapist Nathan Field's paper [http://www.writing4healing.org.uk/w4horguk/jos/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=12&Itemid=12 The Therapeutic Action of Writing in Self-Disclosure and Self-Expression][3]. It is asynchronous; that is, messages are passed between therapist and client within an agreed time frame, say one week, but at any time within that week. Where both parties remain anonymous the client benefits from the ‘disinhibition’ effect; that is to say, feels freer to disclose [[memories]], [[thoughts]] and [[feelings]] that they might withhold in a face-to-face situation. Both client and therapist have time for [[reflecting]] on the past and recapturing forgotten memories, time for [[private]]ly processing their reactions and giving thought to their own responses. With [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etherapy etherapy] space is eliminated and time expanded. Overall it considerably reduces the amount of therapeutic input, as well as the speed and pressure that therapists habitually have to work under.

Currently the most widely used mode of Internet Writing Therapy is via e-mail; see analytic psychotherapist Nathan Field's paper [https://www.writing4healing.org.uk/w4horguk/jos/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=12&Itemid=12 The Therapeutic Action of Writing in Self-Disclosure and Self-Expression][3]. It is asynchronous; that is, messages are passed between therapist and client within an agreed time frame, say one week, but at any time within that week. Where both parties remain anonymous the client benefits from the ‘disinhibition’ effect; that is to say, feels freer to disclose [[memories]], [[thoughts]] and [[feelings]] that they might withhold in a face-to-face situation. Both client and therapist have time for [[reflecting]] on the past and recapturing forgotten memories, time for [[private]]ly processing their reactions and giving thought to their own responses. With [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etherapy etherapy] space is eliminated and time expanded. Overall it considerably reduces the amount of therapeutic input, as well as the speed and pressure that therapists habitually have to work under.

[[Ironically]], the anonymity and invisibility provides a therapeutic environment that comes much closer than classical [[analysis]] to Freud’s [[ideal]] of the ‘analytic blank screen’. Sitting behind the patient on the couch still leaves room for a multitude of clues to the analyst’s [[individuality]]; e-therapy provides almost none. Whether distance and reciprocal anonymity reduces or increases the level of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transference transference] has yet to be investigated.

[[Ironically]], the anonymity and invisibility provides a therapeutic environment that comes much closer than classical [[analysis]] to Freud’s [[ideal]] of the ‘analytic blank screen’. Sitting behind the patient on the couch still leaves room for a multitude of clues to the analyst’s [[individuality]]; e-therapy provides almost none. Whether distance and reciprocal anonymity reduces or increases the level of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transference transference] has yet to be investigated.

==Notes==

==Notes==

# CNN.com - Writing for therapy helps erase effects of trauma - March 16, 2000

# CNN.com - Writing for therapy helps erase effects of trauma - March 16, 2000

# http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1849230072?tag=brinupchar-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=1849230072&adid=1Y4HXJ8TVHC9H0HJKDCP&

# https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1849230072?tag=brinupchar-21&camp=1406&creative=6394&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=1849230072&adid=1Y4HXJ8TVHC9H0HJKDCP&

==References==

==References==

*Pennebaker, James W. [http://homepage.psy.utexas.edu/homepage/faculty/Pennebaker/Reprints/P1997.pdf "Writing About Emotional Experiences as a Therapeutic Process"].

*Pennebaker, James W. [https://homepage.psy.utexas.edu/homepage/faculty/Pennebaker/Reprints/P1997.pdf "Writing About Emotional Experiences as a Therapeutic Process"].

*Field, Nathan [http://www.writing4healing.org.uk/w4horguk/jos/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=12&Itemid=12 "The Therapeutic Action of Writing in Self-Disclosure and Self-Expression"].

*Field, Nathan [https://www.writing4healing.org.uk/w4horguk/jos/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=12&Itemid=12 "The Therapeutic Action of Writing in Self-Disclosure and Self-Expression"].

*Graybeal, A., Sexton, J.D. & Pennebaker, J.W. [http://homepage.psy.utexas.edu/homepage/faculty/Pennebaker/Reprints/GraybealS&P.pdf "The Role of Story-Making in Disclosure Writing: The Psychometrics of Narrative"].

*Graybeal, A., Sexton, J.D. & Pennebaker, J.W. [https://homepage.psy.utexas.edu/homepage/faculty/Pennebaker/Reprints/GraybealS&P.pdf "The Role of Story-Making in Disclosure Writing: The Psychometrics of Narrative"].

[[Category: Psychology]]

[[Category: Psychology]]