Therapeutic writing and journal prompts in therapy

ABOUT THE EPISODE

When might writing help clients make sense of their experiences?

Hannah and Natalie explore the difference between journalling and therapeutic writing, drawing on compassion-focused therapy.

They discuss common barriers, working with resistance and practical ways to try writing in sessions and between appointments.

• Therapeutic writing versus journalling
• Introducing writing without pressure
• Paper and digital approaches
• Working with client resistance

How is therapeutic writing different from ordinary journalling?

Dr Hannah Taylor and Natalie explore therapeutic writing as purposeful work rather than simply recording the day. The intention, prompt and way the writing is used can help a client notice experience, develop understanding or approach something that has been hard to express aloud.

The conversation draws on compassion-focused ideas without suggesting that one type of writing suits every person. What matters is how the exercise connects with the formulation and what the therapist and client hope it may help them explore.

How can writing be introduced without pressure?

Clients may feel exposed, unsure what to write or resistant to an exercise that resembles homework. Hannah discusses introducing writing as an invitation, considering paper and digital approaches and making room to talk about what makes the task difficult.

Writing can be tried inside a session or between appointments, but the format needs to remain workable. Reviewing the client's response helps the therapist decide whether to adapt the prompt, change the setting or leave writing aside rather than turning completion into the measure of success.

Related listening: For an example of creative approaches within bereavement work, listen to Working with Grief, covering complicated grief, trauma, attachment, metaphors and community support.