Unprompted compliments. (Or: therapy + writing = something I will like.)

I have a real love for buying non-fiction books; I can’t actually walk away from a psychotherapy cheapie without feeling vaguely ill. I buy these books, then I don’t read them.

But I am now reading a book called Writing as a Way of Healing: How Telling Our Stories Transforms Our Lives, by Louise DeSalvo. This book is great. I’m only about a quarter of the way through it, but I’ve found it deeply inspiring and thought provoking.

DeSalvo points to some clinical evidence that shows that a certain type of writing about traumatic events has a big impact on the physical health and well-being of people. I can’t get the book out now as I’m at work, so forgive any clumsy or incorrect bumbling if you’ve already read the book, but I think I recall the magic formula. It’s writing that combines both a vivid, detailed portrayal of an event, as well as your feelings about it – how you felt then, and how you feel now. And sticking to it – four days for fifteen minutes a day was what the experiment studied.

Of course, I don’t advocate people doing things that can stir up bad memories or feelings – at least not in the capacity of a blog writer. But I think this approach has real value, and I can certainly testify of the healing power of writing in my life.

A worthwhile read.

Tags: books, creativity, healing, inspiration, therapy, writing