Writing to Heal: Therapeutic Uses of Creative Writing by Adult Survivors of Incest

Abstract

This paper examines the use of creative writing by adult survivors of incest both as a self-help technique and as an adjunct to therapy. A survey of the popular and professional literature on incest revealed that creative writing is often recommended to survivors. Writing can be useful in helping survivors validate their experiences, recover memories, express feelings, and communicate with self and others. The specific needs of incest survivors around safety and boundary issues should be considered, however, and some cautions are noted.