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- The Therapeutic Benefits of Software

Notes from an article on creative writing

I've just read this article on therapeutic writing and want to make some points about it. The article talks about the broad benefits of expressive writing for helping cope with personal trauma, which it partly credits to its accessibility as a form of therapy.

• I learned that the definition of therapeutic writing is broad, and many kinds of writing can constitute as therapeutic, whether that's describing memories in a realistic and biographical way, or in a more poetic, creative expression. One academic also cites that the process of rewriting is most helpful when exploring the same subject over again, with multiple descriptive approaches, ranging from distinct descriptive accuracy or using more abstract language. I think this relates to the functions and processes of FT when reforming the text, which can illuminate new and unexpected qualities.
• I also learned that the helpfulness of being able to confide to the page is also very important. In many ways therapeutic writing is similar to talking to a silent therapist: instead of facial expressions, or nods and smiles that might convey empathy, the interactions I've designed, almost function as those responses, whether that's the significance of a missing word, or the gradual destruction of the text altogether. The interactions almost work like small nods and pokes with the potential to add illuminating insights.
• Finally, whether its within a word document or cheap spiral bound pads, writers have the tendency to find a home for describing life's ups and downs, and I hope the software will have the same use.

Are you a writer who is curious about trying out the software? If so, I would be very excited to hear from you: