abstract heather higbee

Devin Wieseckel
Comp 2000
Dr. Mason
Abstract
4/6/09

Heather Higbee- Writing as a Therapy

Writing can be used as a therapeutic technique to help alleviate many different physical and physiological problems. Much research has been done to prove that writing helps lesson symptoms of health problems. Writing can help recovering substance abusers steer clear of their old habit and set a path for their new life. As well, mental health patients find writing as a way to express themselves if they have difficulties communicating with the world around them. There are many different programs available which set up writing courses based on time of writing and how often the subject writes. While some writing programs allow people to write for as long as they feel is necessary, others give time intervals such as 20 minutes every day or an hour every other day. In all, writing provides to be a very effective way to help those with a wide variety of physical and mental health problems.