10 Easy Steps to Get you Started with Therapeutic Writing
Therapeutic writing is one of those one-size-fits-all tools. Whether you can’t seem to move forward on a project or you feel stuck in your career or, maybe you need to make changes in a relationship, therapeutic writing helps in all of those situations.
That’s because therapeutic writing helps you to get to the root of what you’re really thinking. Once you’re clear on that, you’re setting yourself up to make decisions based on the truth. Once you have that awareness, you’re in a much stronger position to move forward in your life. Doesn’t that sound good?
So, how do we get started on moving forward using therapeutic writing?
Follow these 10 easy steps:
Step 1: Set up your Space
Find a comfortable, quiet space to write so that you you don’t have distractions
Silence your device notifications as you want your thoughts to flow freely without interruptions
Prepare your timer for 5 minutes (if you're using your phone, set the clock then turn your phone over). This is a good amount of time to dig deep into your thoughts without losing focus
Get a blank notebook & pen or pencil
Step 2: Therapeutic Writing 101
Your goal is to write to the prompt without stopping (this allows you to dig deeper into your thoughts without judegement or analysis)
Don't read, correct, cross out or edit words. If you don't know what to write, literally write "I don't know what to write" until a new thought forms, then continue from there
Be honest with yourself for best results. Remember this is private — no one will see your writing.
Step 3: Free writing
Write freely to this prompt for 5 minutes: I am in a place of:
Step 4: Read and Discover
When the timer sounds, read what you wrote and underline one word, phrase, or sentence that grabs your attention in some way (you don’t have to know why, just that it does).
Step 5: New Page!
Turn to a new page and at the top of the page write: What did I mean by…
Step 6: Next Prompt
Underneath What did I mean by, write your word, phrase, or sentence that you just underlined. Then set the timer for 5 minutes and freewrite again. Remember, no stopping until the time is up.
Step 7: Learn about it
Read what you wrote and underline everything from your writing that you’d like to learn more about. Everything that grabs your attention.
Step 8: Your thoughts are flowing
Turn to a new page and at the top of that page write, I’d like to learn more about…
Step 9: Gain insight
List (vertically) your underlined words, sentences, or phrases on this page.
Step 10: Identify Priorities
Number the items on your list in order of interest or priority. Items can share a number.
You’ve done it!
You’ve created a list of what’s been at the root of your thoughts lately. You can now use this new insight to move forward with a clear mind.
Want to keep going?
You are invited!
Join my online therapeutic writing workshop to dig deeper into your thoughts, declutter your mind, and discover what’s keeping you back and how to move forward.
Write To The Root: My signature 6-week therapeutic writing workshop. The workshop is online, fully guided, inspired by nature, and private. This supportive setting allows you to safely declutter your thoughts and reveal your truths. Gaining clarity on the truths of your life helps you to increase self-awareness and sets you up for strong decision-making.
I offer my workshop four times a year, at the beginning of each season. Details about the workshop are on the trees&breathe website.
Sign up for my newsletter to gain tips and insight about therapeutic writing and to learn about workshop offerings.
I’d love for you to experience this comfortable and easy way to gain clarity in your life! Use code CLARITY for a 10% discount at checkout.