It’s easy to use these distractions as a way of avoiding unresolved issues. But these issues will not go away on their own; they lurk around like heavy shadows, dragging our energy levels down, and turning up whenever we are quiet or caught off-guard. James Pennebaker, one of the pioneers of therapeutic writing, explained that it takes a lot more mental energy to ‘not think’ about something, than it does to write about it and process it.

I believe that the experience of writing is beneficial for everyone, and needs no prior skill. We have everything we need in terms of resources — all that is required is the ability to listen to our internal voice or emotions, time and space for reflection, and a pen and paper. You can become your own counsellor and write about things that are difficult, confusing, or unspeakable. But therapeutic writing is not just for dealing with the past: it’s also an invaluable tool for negotiating the future and developing the best ever version of yourself.

We have, perhaps, forgotten to trust in our own capacity to find solutions, or to understand how we really feel. Therapeutic writing, or writing for wellbeing, is a powerful practice that can help you to reconnect with yourself and your core values; to regain a sense of purpose; and to help process and recover from traumatic or painful events.