Engage with Trauma and Grief in a Bold New Way

Engage with Trauma and Grief in a Bold New Way

Expressive writing is a revolutionary act. It can be done anywhere, takes less time than a cup of coffee, it’s free, and, best of all, scientifically proven to improve how we process issues that compromise one’s quality of life.

Expressive writing helps us reevaluate sources of grief or trauma. This writing process can be a “life course correction.”

Here are a few empirically-proven suggestions to set yourself on a life course correction:

1.) Set aside fifteen minutes for three or four consecutive days.
2.) Use this time to write freely about a single issue that’s causing anxiety or pain.

Why does expressive writing impact us in such meaningful ways? Dr. James Pennebaker, of the University of Texas, has studied expressive writing and has found solid evidence to support the effectiveness of this method. He states, "One of the brain's functions is to help us understand events in our lives. Writing helps construct a narrative to contextualize trauma and organize our ideas. Until we do this, our brain replays the same non-constructive through patterns over and over until we become stuck".

Writing about grief and trauma helps achieve closure which tells the brain its work is done. This closure frees us to move forward.

Call or Text Shauna Paynter today and book your appointment. Note: If you are an ICBC client who has experienced trauma, you have 12 sessions available to you through Safe & Sound Counselling.