Healing through words. While it may sound too good to be true, the evidence suggests otherwise. (Click here to read more about the research behind expressive writing.) 

It takes time to heal

We all want a quick fix to whatever challenges we’re experiencing. I know because not too long ago, I was that person. For several years now, I’ve tried everything under the sun to heal my gut issues. It felt like I’d tried everything, and to be honest, I’m too scared to even attempt to count how much money trying all of the things has cost me over the years. While I am still very much a work in progress, what has made the most difference was combining modalities, including embodied writing, embodied processing (a body-based approach to working with trauma) and naturopathy. The most noticeable shifts came when I started paying attention to my feelings and emotions and locating them in my body.

I know what a powerful tool writing can be beyond my own lived experience. I’ve seen my clients release and express themselves in sessions in ways I can’t describe with words. How we engage in writing for healing is equally as important as making the commitment itself. Read more about getting started with embodied writing here and download my quick start guide (when I say ‘quick,’ I mean it. You’ll be ready to follow the process in under 10 minutes.)

Where to start when you don’t know where to start

Many people I encounter acknowledge the benefits of writing and want to give writing a go. They either don’t know where to start, or they’ve journaled in the past and haven’t been able to make the habit stick. So they question if writing is a tool for them. Embodied writing is different. We’re not simply brain dumping or documenting our day or concerns. We are making the conscious decision to shift our awareness away from the mind to the physical body so that we can feel and process whatever emotions we need to. Before we start writing, we cultivate what we call a resource – a container of safety, stability and support (or the opposite of overwhelm if these words don’t resonate with you) – in case we are triggered. When writing about painful experiences, we will be triggered at times; it’s inevitable.

Quick fire writing tips

• Write for your eyes only (showing others can limit our ability to write what needs to be written at a subconscious level)
• Do not worry about the quality of your writing
• Embodied writing will look different for different people – some people will use disjointed sentences, single words and even slabs of writing. Experiment and go with what works for you
• If you are triggered, go back to your resource. Do not try to push through your feelings and emotions without a resource as this can lead to re-traumatising yourself
• Notice how you feel before you write and once you’ve finished writing

25 journal prompts for healing through words

As promised, here are 25 of my favourite writing prompts for when I want to explore a topic that will likely trigger me.

What makes me feel safe? This can be anything – sinking into a part of the body; a person; a pet; a place; or even something imaginary. 

What does being in your body feel like? 

What do you feel you’re ready to integrate right now in terms of your healing?

What do you feel are your key barriers to healing at the moment?

What do you need to move forward in terms of your current situation?

What have you never forgiven yourself for?

What is one emotion you don’t feel comfortable expressing?

When was the first time you recall experiencing the above emotion?

What is an emotion you do feel comfortable expressing?

When was the first time you recall experiencing the above emotion?

What does the word ‘healing’ mean to you?

Describe a difficult situation you feel you were able to overcome.

Write about a time when someone triggered you and how you felt in your body.

What are 5 lessons that challenging situations in your life have taught you?

What are 3 things that bring you joy, and how can you incorporate them into your life on a more regular basis?

What things consistently drain you?

What things consistently energise you?

What boundaries do you need to implement to positively impact your healing journey?

Write about a time when you felt seen and heard. How did that feel in your body?

Write about a time when you didn’t feel seen and heard. How did that feel in your body?

What emotions from the past are you still holding onto?

How can you show yourself more compassion?

How do you feel about uncertainty?

Write about whatever is on your mind right now.

What are 3 actions you can take right now to move forward in terms of your healing journey?

Become a Storytelling for the Soul founding member!

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Membership includes:

The Write Your Way to Healing Quick Start Course, which includes videos, guided meditations and personal development tools

Access to our private student community on Facebook so you can connect directly with Sarah and other students as our community grows

Additional courses, workbooks, affirmation cards and resources added over time at no extra cost

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