Exploring Through Letters: A Creative Writing Exercise for Self-Compassion and Healing for Self-Injury

From Soul Care for Self-Injury: Theological Reflection and Spiritual Care Strategies by Amy Panton

Introduction

Letter writing is a powerful expressive tool widely used in therapeutic settings to help individuals explore emotions, gain new perspectives, and promote healing. This technique can be particularly beneficial for individuals who engage in self-injury, as well as their caregivers and family members as it offers a safe and structured way to explore complex emotions, gain new perspectives, and foster self-compassion. It provides an alternative outlet for intense emotions, potentially offering new ways to cope with challenging feelings. The act of writing allows individuals to externalize their thoughts and feelings, creating distance and perspective that can lead to new insights about their experiences.

As you engage in this exercise, remember that there's no "right" or "wrong" way to write these letters. Your honesty and authenticity are what matter most. Take your time with each letter, and don't hesitate to pause if you need to. This process may bring up strong emotions, so be sure to practice self-care and reach out for support if needed.

Letter Topics:

1. A Letter to the Self-Injury Experience
Write about your relationship with self-injury. What role has it played in your life? What do you wish others understood about it? For caregivers/family members, express your thoughts and feelings about how self-injury has impacted your life and relationships.

2. A Letter to Your Past Self
Write to a younger version of yourself, perhaps before or when self-injury first became a part of your life (directly or indirectly). What would you want them to know? What advice or comfort would you offer?

3. A Letter to Your Body
Address your body directly, acknowledging its experiences and resilience. For caregivers/family members, reflect on how your loved one's self-injury has affected your own relationship with your body and physical health.

4. A Letter to a Supporter or Loved One
Write to someone who has supported you or to someone you wish understood you better. For caregivers/family members, write to the person who self-injures, expressing your feelings, concerns, and hopes for them.

5. A Letter from Your Future Self
Imagine yourself five years in the future, having made progress in your healing journey or in supporting your loved one. What would this future version of yourself want to tell you now?

6. A Letter to an Emotion Choose
an emotion that's significant in your experience with self-injury (e.g., shame, anger, fear, hope). Write to this emotion as if it were a person.

Reflection
After writing each letter, take some time to reflect on the experience. What emotions came up for you? Did you gain any new insights? Remember, these letters are for your eyes only unless you choose to share them. They are a tool for your personal growth, healing, and understanding.

For Practitioners and Spiritual Care Providers

When introducing this exercise:

1. Explain the purpose and potential benefits of letter writing.
2. Emphasize that there are no "right" or "wrong" responses.
3. Encourage honesty and authenticity in the writing process.
4. Be prepared to provide support if intense emotions arise.
5. Discuss the experience and any insights gained after the exercise.

Remember, letter writing can enhance emotional awareness and expression skills. By engaging in this exercise regularly, individuals may develop a greater sense of understanding of their emotional experiences and improve their ability to articulate their needs and feelings.