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Can writing heal you? Can writing undo the damage done by past stressful events? Pain, loss, fear? What about Asthma and Arthritis? Can writing help even these conditions? Unbelievable as it may seem, the fact is, the answer is yes, as per a CNN report. Writing as a therapy- what is it?
Here is a definition: 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. 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 (from Wikipedia).
When we write, we are revisiting long past events, emotions, motives and interpretations. In this process, we often end up with new insights on our own; if a therapist were to hand us down these 'lessons', we may be reluctant to accept and own these new ideas.
“..Are there better ways to acquire understanding? It is possible that insight, if it is discovered by the patient rather than directly imparted by the therapist, might well become far more deeply internalized. If, in addition, it is formulated in the patient’s own words and ‘fixed’ in writing in answer to a ‘leading question’, it may very well take on a more palpable reality...”
(Introducing Writing Therapy, by Nathan Field)
Writing as therapy has been used in a wide variety of health/ emotional problems. It is only now, that many stammerers are beginning to discover the potential of writing to help us sort our inner turmoil. TISA would like to share some insights. Many of IPWS, playing a significant role in self help movement of TISA now, felt a change coming over them, after they wrote something about their stammering- even if metaphorically. Recently, eight IPWS wrote their 'stories' for TISA and it was published to coincide with International Stammering Awareness Day (ISAD) on 22nd October 2009. One of these writers was invited to contribute his story to on-line conference organized by Dr Judy Kuster in 2008. The writers felt a sense of liberation, having written their stories. They feel they had something important to share. Having done this, they no more feel oppressed by their stammering or the fact that they had to hide it all this time. They have developed better acceptance of the person who they are, who they have been.
Mr Harish Usgaonkar coordinates TISA initiative in Goa. He wrote a story in 2008. TISA interviewed him about the process of writing this story and how it has affected him. Here is the excerpts from the interview:
How long did it take you to write “Three dwarfs and the devil”?
I started writing it in October, 2008, and completed it in around January, 2009.
What drove you to write it?
Lessons that I had learned in my life. Stammering had affected my personality to a great extent. Many a times I thought of all the negative things and started hating myself. I had to work really hard on it, doing some self-analysis, and working on my own personality development. I have always been, in a way, "assessing" my personality. By 2008, I thought I was able to bring some changes in my personality (with of course room for improvement). When I looked back now, I realized that I was lacking in three important personality traits, that let me down. These 3 traits are mentioned in the story.
So basically, I wanted to share what I had learnt with my struggles in life. But I still considered talking about stammering or other drawbacks in public as a taboo. And yet I wanted to share and seek other's opinion. So, I chose to write a story. I used symbolisms. I symbolized negative thoughts and hatred for self with the devil, and the lack of the personality traits as the dwarfs...
How did you feel after writing it?
It was a mixed reaction. I shared it with a few close friends who mattered to me. Some who are really close to me, revealed to me that the central character Gopal reminded them of me. Some said that they could relate to Gopal very well, because all that he goes through, they also had been through... It kind of gave me a feedback of what people thought about my opinion. It also gave me an idea of what kind of perception others have / had towards me. And also, it gave me a feedback on how successful was my symbolism. It felt great when my friends praised and said that they enjoyed the story. But it also made me uncomfortable when they said Gopal was like me. (frankly speaking!)
Did writing this story change you in any way, inside or outside?
Not really. I did admit with a couple of friends that the real inspiration was my own life. With that, I did (or was forced to) practice some acceptance. But I was not doing it wholeheartedly.
How did it affect you over all?
All I wanted to do was express my thoughts, and convey the lessons I had learnt, which I believe, is true even in case of non-PWS. After knowing the feedback from my friends, i realized that what I had learnt was true, and made sense. It kind of relieved me.
How did you get the original idea?
The idea was greatly inspired by my stammering-life and it's impact on my personality. And what I learned from it. But the events i created to convey my thoughts were my imaginations... I even spent a great deal of time thinking on how to symbolize negative thoughts and self-hatred (devil) and personality traits (dwarfs). Finally, I got a nouvelle idea of personifying the personality traits, and let them talk to humans. Can't believe i could think of such an idea :)
Harish has written many more stories and write ups for TISA website and blog. There are many others, who can and probably will write one day. One of the 'blocks' is: what good is my writing? Let others judge that and if you dont write, how will you ever know? If you need more convincing, check these links:
http://homepage.psy.utexas.edu/homepage/faculty/Pennebaker/Reprints/P1997.pdf
http://writing4healing.org.uk/w4horguk/jos/index.php?option=com_docman&Itemid=&task=doc_download&gid=1
http://homepage.psy.utexas.edu/homepage/faculty/pennebaker/Home2000/WritingandHealth.html |
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