The Uses of Writing in Psychotherapy

Book excerpt: The Uses of Writing in Psychotherapy explores the various ways in which writing can be used to increase the effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability of psychotherapy. Although writing has been used by therapists in many ways over the years, and the benefits of writing are mentioned in the professional and popular literature, this is the first volume in over 20 years that compares the curative powers of writing across theoretical approaches and with various populations. Therapists and scholars from various specialties discuss their views on writing in psychotherapy. The term "writing" covers a wide range of activities, including expressive writing, checklists and charts, letters, and art work, as well as writings by therapists and clients, in session and between sessions. There are informative chapters on using writing with special populations--the deaf, refugee families, the elderly, and incest victims. Aimed at practicing social workers and other psychotherapists seeking new ideas for increasing the effectiveness of their practices, this interesting volume is also helpful for therapists in training, and as an adjunct text for graduate courses in social work, counseling, and therapy.