Submodule 6.8 – Therapeutic Letters as a Tool for Expressing Feelings and Healing
Therapeutic writing is a powerful tool to support grieving individuals in their emotional healing process. Among the various forms of writing, therapeutic letters hold a special place, as they allow direct communication with the deceased person, oneself, or other individuals involved in the grief process. As a GRIEF COACH, you can encourage your clients to use this tool to express their feelings, clarify their thoughts, and find meaning in their loss experience.
Letters addressed to the deceased person are often a way for grieving individuals to express feelings and thoughts they did not get a chance to share during the person’s lifetime. They can include expressions of love, gratitude, regret, or forgiveness, as well as unresolved questions or reflections on life after the loss. By writing these letters, your clients may find an outlet for their intense emotions while maintaining a symbolic connection with their departed loved one. You can encourage them to be honest and authentic in their writing, without censoring or judging themselves.
For instance, a client might write a letter to her deceased father, expressing her gratitude for the special moments they shared and sharing challenges she has faced since his departure. She could also address more difficult aspects of their relationship, such as unspoken issues or unresolved conflicts, and express her desire for forgiveness and reconciliation. This letter may help her find a form of emotional closure, honoring both the positive and negative aspects of their relationship.
Letters addressed to oneself can also be a valuable tool for grieving individuals. They can take the form of a compassion letter, in which one addresses oneself with kindness and understanding, recognizing the pain and challenges of grief. They can also be written from the perspective of one’s “future self”, imagining what one would like to say to the “present self” as encouragement and guidance on their journey. These letters can help your clients develop greater self-compassion and find new perspectives on their experience.
Therapeutic letters can also be used to address other individuals involved in the grief process, such as family members, friends, or healthcare professionals. They can allow for the expression of difficult feelings, such as anger, disappointment, or sadness, within a safe and confidential space. They can also serve to clarify needs and expectations, set boundaries, or request support. By aiding your clients in writing these letters, you are accompanying them through a process of communication and self-assertion, possibly strengthening their relationships and their sense of control over their lives.
It is essential to clarify that therapeutic letters do not necessarily need to be sent or shared with their intended recipients. Their value is mainly in the writing process itself, which allows for exploration and authentic expression of emotions. However, in some cases, your clients may decide to share all or some of their letters with trusted individuals, if they see it as beneficial. Your role as a GRIEF COACH is to assist them in weighing the potential benefits and risks of sharing, and in making an informed decision.
By incorporating therapeutic letters into your grief coaching practice, you provide your clients with a powerful tool to explore and express their feelings, make sense of their experience, and bolster their emotional resilience. You accompany them through a creative and introspective process, enabling them to find their way towards healing and growth. By guiding them with kindness and respect, you assist them in developing greater self-awareness, asserting their needs, and cultivating more authentic and nurturing relationships.
Remember that every grieving individual is unique, and that therapeutic writing may evoke intense emotions and painful memories. It is crucial to lay the groundwork for a safe and confidential space to accept these experiences, and respect each client’s pace and boundaries. Encourage them to take care of themselves during and after writing, by involving themselves in soothing activities and seeking the support they need. Your kind presence and empathetic listening will be valuable allies in this journey towards healing and resilience.
Points to remember :
1. Therapeutic letters are powerful tools to aid grieving individuals in their emotional healing process.
2. Letters addressed to the deceased person allow for the expression of feelings and thoughts not shared during their lifetime, including love, gratitude, regret, forgiveness, and unresolved questions.
3. Letters written to oneself, in the form of compassion letters or from the perspective of the “future self”, assist in developing self-compassion and finding new perspectives.
4. Letters intended for other individuals involved in the grief process allow for the expression of difficult feelings, the clarification of needs and expectations, and relationship strengthening.
5. The value of therapeutic letters mainly lies in the writing process itself, which enables exploration and authentic expression of emotions.
6. The role of the GRIEF COACH is to create a safe space, accompany clients in their writing process, and help them evaluate the potential benefits and risks of sharing their letters.
7. Therapeutic writing can evoke intense emotions, so it is vital to respect each client’s pace and boundaries, and encourage them to take care of themselves during and after writing.
👉 To download docx (Editable) file click here : Click here
👉 To download PDF file click here : Click here
👉 To download MP3 file click here : Click here
