Why write?

I've been participating in a weekly poetry group called Gather since spring. Poet Maria Giesbrecht leads the group. Maria gives us a brief poetic lesson every Sunday morning and a prompt. Around 30 of us in our Zoom squares write alone together. Occasionally, we unmute to share our poems. We support each other by snapping silently in response to each reader's vulnerability and talent. Sometimes, the words flow effortlessly, but I often find myself scribbling, crossing things out, and starting anew. That's okay with me. I've learned to overcome resistance and sit down to write. Why do I write? There isn't a single reason, but many. Three years ago, I started a consultation group called Writing From The Inside Out for clinicians. Through this, I've realized the profound impact of writing on our capacity to be therapists. It's not just about writing case formulations or presentations; it's about the freedom to express our feelings prompted by an obscure poem and allowing anything to come out through the pen onto paper. It is similar to asking a patient an object-oriented question, designed to direct the patient’s attention away from his ego and toward objects or events external to oneself (Margolis, 1983, p. 187), instead of a direct one because the object-oriented question leaves the defenses intact and furthers progressive communication.

In contrast, asking a direct question might trigger the patient's defenses and leave them unable to respond. So, why write in a way that leaves these defenses intact? My best answer is that it allows more unknown thoughts and feelings to flow onto the page and into awareness. By doing this, as therapists, we can enhance the depth of our technique and become more effective in our approaches. If you're interested in learning more about "Writing From The Inside Out" and object-oriented questions and methods, feel free to contact me directly or keep following my blogs for more insights into the question of "Why Write?"