Does writing heal trauma?
Writing about thoughts and feelings that arise from a traumatic or stressful life experience — called expressive writing — may help some people cope with the emotional fallout of such events. Therapeutic journaling is the process of writing down our thoughts and feelings about our personal experiences. This kind of private reflection allows us to sort through events that have occurred and problems that we may be struggling with. I’m going to share my process for what I call “deep journaling” — which is a structured way to confront difficult emotions on the page. it’s a process I’ve been using for many years to work through deep and dark things. it’s painful and clarifying, like a bitter tonic. Tears can help people heal from hurtful psychological experiences in life, just as there are natural body processes that promote physical healing. Journaling can also help you release the negativity you may be experiencing and find a sense of calm, says Stepanian. Writing about your loneliness can separate it from who you are as a person too, which gives you more power back and may make it easier to deal with, says therapist Lawrence Jackson, PhD, LMFT. It might also help your physical health. Letting your emotions out can reduce stress, which can boost your immune system — as long as you then process your emotions.