Healing, Expression, and Self-Discovery: A Dive into Therapeutic Writing

The Power of the Pen is Transformative. Are you familiar with therapeutic writing? You may not realize it, but some great books have been written using this powerful tool, such as "The Diary of Anne Frank," in which Anne used her diary to cope with loneliness and fear during World War II. The book has been translated into 70 languages and has sold over 30 million copies.

Unlike other writing methods, such as technical or creative writing, its focus is not on literary style or grammatical rules but on the freedom to explore thoughts and feelings. For those working in the field, it might be challenging at first to let go of formatting, but with a few days of practice, the fluid, light, and liberating side of your writing will emerge.

Benefits of Therapeutic Writing

Before thinking about writing a book with this technique, dive into it as a tool for self-discovery. You with you: This is a moment just for you, and you don't need to share your writings with anyone. Practicing is an experience of discovery and expression. Our minds have an incredible ability to contemplate various subjects simultaneously, but it is by putting them on paper that they take shape and structure.

Also known as healing writing, the process of therapeutic writing is even recommended in psychology as a resource for self-discovery and personal transformation, aiding in the processing of traumas and improving emotional well-being.

This method was also widely used by writer, journalist, and educator Edvaldo Pereira Lima to instruct his students in the pioneering postgraduate course in Literary Journalism, the only one in the country, offered by ABJL — the Brazilian Academy of Literary Journalism. Founded in 2005, this entity played a significant role in journalism education but was discontinued in 2013.

Besides being a transformative tool for personal development, mastering the technique also becomes effective for producing any type of text, such as articles, autobiographies, academic papers, reports, travel narratives, essays, or poetry. Why not give it a try?

Step-by-Step to Start the Practice of Therapeutic Writing

Try to wake up earlier—whatever you can manage, whether it’s 20 minutes or an hour. The morning is a magical time for writing, as our minds are "emptier," allowing more space for creativity to flow.

If possible, practice with pen and paper (at least in the first days of practice). Try to stay away from your phone to avoid distractions.

Create a welcoming environment: choose a calm and cozy place.

Write freely! In this practice, the focus is on self-expression, so don't worry about grammar or formatting at first. Just let it flow.

Remember: this moment is yours, so prioritize yourself.

Don’t limit yourself to these tips. If you can’t practice in the morning, find another time in your schedule. Adapt your routine in a way that works for you.

If you've never tried it, why not start today? Recommended for both writing professionals and those who simply want to write better, you don’t need much to begin this journey. Grab a notebook and a pen, and let your mind be free. One tip to help you explore therapeutic writing is to read the practical book "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron. The book offers amazing daily and weekly exercises to help unlock creativity and has already helped thousands of people through this tool, including me. Why not give it a try? Who knows, you might discover something magical within yourself in the process.

Ketlen Machado ©