Therapeutic Benefits of Personal Writing- A Three Phase Study

Background: A three phase heuristic phenomenological study was conducted to determine the role of writing in the development of the self and to examine the therapeutic properties of personal writing. Whereas writing has... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
A three phase heuristic phenomenological study was conducted to determine the role of writing in the development of the self and to examine the therapeutic properties of personal writing. Whereas writing has substantial evidence regarding health benefits, little is written about therapeutic applications in occupational therapy.This presentation will discuss the research base and potential for occupational therapy.

Theoretical underpinning:
Moustakas’s heuristic inquiry has roots in depth psychology and phenomenology. Therapeutic writing may be approached from a number of psychodynamic, occupational, and cognitive behavioral approaches,to work with clients towards personal stress relief and goal attainment.

Technique:
The use of therapeutic writing requires a client-centered approach and may be used both in assessment and intervention. Therapists work with clients to determine the format of therapeutic writing (e.g., journals, blogs, homework, etc.), and how this modality will augment the occupational therapy towards goal attainment.

Outcome:
Past and current research has found therapeutic writing to improve health outcomes, connection to the self and others, stress relief, enhanced spirituality, and perspective taking in addition to a number or other benefits relevant to occupational therapy and health.

Application:
An understanding of current and past research in addition to applying various theoretical underpinnings and frames of reference to therapeutic writing may enhance an occupation based (writing) approach with clients in a number of settings.

References
1. Haertl, K. (2014). Writing and the development of the self- heuristic
inquiry: A unique way of exploring the power of the written word, Journal
of Poetry Therapy, 27(2), pp. 55-68.
2. Haertl, K. (2008). Journal as an assessment tool in mental health, in B.
Hemphill (ed.) Assessments in mental health. Thorofare NJ: Slack., pp.
61-79.
5. Moustakas, C. (1990). Heuristic inquiry. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
6. Ero-Phillips. A. (2015). Healing properties of writing for persons with
mental health issues. Thesis.