The Healing Power of The Healing Power of Creative Writing and Other Creative Writing and Other Forms of Self-ExpressionForms of Self-Expression

Danny Pettry, MS, CTRSDanny Pettry, MS, CTRS

Recreational TherapistRecreational Therapist

Presented at thePresented at the

Healing Through Creativity FestivalHealing Through Creativity Festival http://www.healingthroughcreativity.org/http://www.healingthroughcreativity.org/

West Virginia State UniversityWest Virginia State University

Oct. 16, 2008Oct. 16, 2008

6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.

Icebreaker: Name GameIcebreaker: Name Game

What is your name?What is your name?

What do you expect to get from this What do you expect to get from this session?session?

Course GoalCourse Goal

This course is designed to teach survivors of This course is designed to teach survivors of abuse and professionals who provide services abuse and professionals who provide services for survivors about the healing benefits for for survivors about the healing benefits for creative writing and other forms of self-creative writing and other forms of self-expression. The focus will be on stress expression. The focus will be on stress management and overall health promotion. management and overall health promotion.

I hope you’ll find a collection of good ideas I hope you’ll find a collection of good ideas today. today.

Course ObjectivesCourse Objectives

By the end of this session, you’ll be able to:By the end of this session, you’ll be able to:

Identify at least 5 benefits for expressing emotions Identify at least 5 benefits for expressing emotions through the use of creative writing and other self-through the use of creative writing and other self-expressive arts.expressive arts.

Identify at least 5 forms of self-expression that could Identify at least 5 forms of self-expression that could be used to promote health and well-being. be used to promote health and well-being.

A little bit about myselfA little bit about myself

I am Danny Pettry. I grew up in Beckley. I am Danny Pettry. I grew up in Beckley. M.S. Rec Therapy, Indiana UniversityM.S. Rec Therapy, Indiana University I’ve provided recreational therapy services I’ve provided recreational therapy services

at a residential treatment program for at a residential treatment program for children between ages 7 and 13 who are children between ages 7 and 13 who are in treatment for sexual, physical, and or in treatment for sexual, physical, and or emotional abuse for the last six years.emotional abuse for the last six years.

I enjoy the work I do and want to help. I enjoy the work I do and want to help.

My hobbies include…My hobbies include…

Reading and writing mostly. Reading and writing mostly. I am empathetic and collect books by I am empathetic and collect books by

survivors.survivors. I like to watch basketball. I like walking, I like to watch basketball. I like walking,

and enjoying nature, especially during the and enjoying nature, especially during the Autumn months. I also enjoy spending Autumn months. I also enjoy spending time with my family and going to the time with my family and going to the movies. movies.

Who Wants Understood?Who Wants Understood?

Sean Covey (1998) said the deepest need Sean Covey (1998) said the deepest need of the human heart is to be understood in of the human heart is to be understood in his book his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens.Teens.

The focus of this session is to teach you The focus of this session is to teach you ways to express yourself so that you’ll feel ways to express yourself so that you’ll feel understood and if not by others, at least understood and if not by others, at least you’ll have a good self-concept, which is you’ll have a good self-concept, which is beneficial. beneficial.

First, Keep a JournalFirst, Keep a Journal

Journaling Journaling although not a term in the although not a term in the dictionary, it is: dictionary, it is: the act of writing about the act of writing about one’s thoughts and feelings. one’s thoughts and feelings.

JournalJournal according to Webster’s dictionary according to Webster’s dictionary is: record (as in diary) of daily happenings.is: record (as in diary) of daily happenings.

DiaryDiary according to Webster’s dictionary is according to Webster’s dictionary is a record especially for personal a record especially for personal experiences and thoughts. A book.experiences and thoughts. A book.

Is Journaling a Leisure Activity?Is Journaling a Leisure Activity?

Leisure is living in relative freedom from Leisure is living in relative freedom from external forces in order to act from internal external forces in order to act from internal ways that are pleasing, worthwhile, and ways that are pleasing, worthwhile, and provide a basis for faith (Goodale & Godby, provide a basis for faith (Goodale & Godby, 1985). 1985).

Journaling could be leisure if the person is not Journaling could be leisure if the person is not being externally forced to write and it enjoyed. being externally forced to write and it enjoyed. If a person does not prefer writing, there are If a person does not prefer writing, there are other forms… to be discussed soon.other forms… to be discussed soon.

Aristotle viewed “writing” as leisureAristotle viewed “writing” as leisure

Two types of education according to Two types of education according to Aristotle: Aristotle:

1.1. Instruction on how to use leisure honorably: Instruction on how to use leisure honorably:

Reading/ writing, gymnastics, music and art.Reading/ writing, gymnastics, music and art.

2.2. Instruction to develop occupational skills:Instruction to develop occupational skills:

Math/ money making, household Math/ money making, household management, politics and sciences.management, politics and sciences.

Writing is a Creative ArtWriting is a Creative Art

Pressfield (2002) in his book Pressfield (2002) in his book The War of The War of Art Art argues that writing is a form of creative argues that writing is a form of creative art. Pressfield’s book discusses how to art. Pressfield’s book discusses how to use leisure time productively to perfect use leisure time productively to perfect one’s craft at writing. one’s craft at writing.

Pressfield had used the same creative Pressfield had used the same creative techniques to write the novel: techniques to write the novel: The Legend The Legend of Bagger Vanceof Bagger Vance..

Journaling and genderJournaling and gender

Some people argue that journaling is an Some people argue that journaling is an activity for women. This has been very activity for women. This has been very true based on my personal experiences true based on my personal experiences having provided services for adolescent having provided services for adolescent males in the past. males in the past.

Fact that I use: Former U.S. President Fact that I use: Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan kept one of the most Ronald Reagan kept one of the most detailed dairies among all Presidents in detailed dairies among all Presidents in history. history.

Benefit: Increase LongevityBenefit: Increase Longevity

Dr. Maoshing Ni (2006), in his book:Dr. Maoshing Ni (2006), in his book: Secrets of Longevity: Hundreds of Secrets of Longevity: Hundreds of Ways to Live to be 100 Ways to Live to be 100 argued that:argued that:

Mental stimulating activities (learning and Mental stimulating activities (learning and writing) can stimulate brain cells and in writing) can stimulate brain cells and in some cases grow new brain pathwayssome cases grow new brain pathways

Suggests that it is good for health to Suggests that it is good for health to express one’s mind opposed to holding express one’s mind opposed to holding feelings inside.feelings inside.

Benefit: Increase LongevityBenefit: Increase Longevity Ni (2006) compares a “mental dump” with a Ni (2006) compares a “mental dump” with a

bowel movement. Ni argues that a person bowel movement. Ni argues that a person should solve this “mental constipation” with the should solve this “mental constipation” with the use of journaling, which could add years to the use of journaling, which could add years to the lifespan. lifespan.

Interesting fact:Interesting fact: Reagan, had written diaries, Reagan, had written diaries, short fiction, sport stories, numerous letters, and short fiction, sport stories, numerous letters, and poetry. He was the eldest person to serve as poetry. He was the eldest person to serve as President, serving from 69 to 77.President, serving from 69 to 77.

Could writing be a factor to his longevity? Could writing be a factor to his longevity?

BibliotherapyBibliotherapy

BibliotherapyBibliotherapy (wikipedia, 2007) is an (wikipedia, 2007) is an expressive therapy that uses an expressive therapy that uses an individual’s relationship to the book, individual’s relationship to the book, poetry, or other written words as therapy.poetry, or other written words as therapy.

Bibliotherapy is most often combined with Bibliotherapy is most often combined with writing therapy.writing therapy.

You may want to read some of the books You may want to read some of the books suggested in this session. suggested in this session.

Bibliotherapy Bibliotherapy

The use of Bibliotherapy is also discussed The use of Bibliotherapy is also discussed in Dr. David Austin’s (2003) Therapeutic in Dr. David Austin’s (2003) Therapeutic Recreation Process and Techniques. 5Recreation Process and Techniques. 5thth edition. Sagamore Publishing. edition. Sagamore Publishing.

It could be beneficial to read famous It could be beneficial to read famous journals by people who have suffered journals by people who have suffered similar incidents and to keep a journal similar incidents and to keep a journal about their own personal issues.about their own personal issues.

Use of journaling in schoolsUse of journaling in schools

Teacher Erin Gruwell a.k.a. Mrs. G. taught Teacher Erin Gruwell a.k.a. Mrs. G. taught at Woodrow Wilson High School, Long at Woodrow Wilson High School, Long Beach, CaliforniaBeach, California

Being the new teacher, she was given the Being the new teacher, she was given the worst of the worst. worst of the worst.

Children in her class were involved in Children in her class were involved in gangs, drugs, racial wars, and had gangs, drugs, racial wars, and had experienced loss from shoots in “the experienced loss from shoots in “the hood.”hood.”

Erin Gruewell’s StrategyErin Gruewell’s Strategy

Erin Gruewell realized that her students needed Erin Gruewell realized that her students needed more than just English. more than just English.

She used bibliotherapy and writing therapy in the She used bibliotherapy and writing therapy in the classroom to help her students to build esteem, classroom to help her students to build esteem, confidence, acceptance of others, how to cope confidence, acceptance of others, how to cope with issues in life, and so much more beyond the with issues in life, and so much more beyond the basic education curriculum of high school.basic education curriculum of high school.

She went the extra mile and was criticized by She went the extra mile and was criticized by other teachers because teachers felt she was other teachers because teachers felt she was making them “look bad.”making them “look bad.”

Newspapers argue the benefits:Newspapers argue the benefits:

Cathartic writing course records students pain. Cathartic writing course records students pain. Writing to heal: teenagers explore their problems Writing to heal: teenagers explore their problems

through writing. through writing. Literature transforms at-risk students.Literature transforms at-risk students. Teacher stronger than fiction: troubled teens find Teacher stronger than fiction: troubled teens find

hope.hope. Education: teacher Erin Gruewell used the Education: teacher Erin Gruewell used the

Holocaust to teach students about tolerance. Holocaust to teach students about tolerance. [Students] fill book about horrors of their own.[Students] fill book about horrors of their own.

Diary Entry # 56Diary Entry # 56

I was getting everything off my chest I was getting everything off my chest and it felt damn good.and it felt damn good. I continued to tell I continued to tell the class that my father had molested my the class that my father had molested my sister and how angry I was that my mother sister and how angry I was that my mother didn’t do anything when she found out didn’t do anything when she found out about it. about it.

(Freedom Writer’s Diary)(Freedom Writer’s Diary)

Comment demonstrates benefit “felt good”Comment demonstrates benefit “felt good”

Diary Entry # 136Diary Entry # 136

I write quotes, poems, journal entries, and I write quotes, poems, journal entries, and stories everyday so that I can escape stories everyday so that I can escape reality because sometimes it is reality because sometimes it is unbearable. unbearable.

(Freedom Writer’s Diary)(Freedom Writer’s Diary)

Benefit: shows a healthy escape opposed to Benefit: shows a healthy escape opposed to negative coping strategies: drugs, negative coping strategies: drugs, drinking, violence, etcdrinking, violence, etc

Healthy escape in moderationHealthy escape in moderation

I recommend using leisure activities for health I recommend using leisure activities for health escape in moderation. escape in moderation.

In example, writing, photography, visual In example, writing, photography, visual imagery/ day dreaming, relaxing and other imagery/ day dreaming, relaxing and other activities are beneficial. activities are beneficial.

They could become bad if a person uses them to They could become bad if a person uses them to avoid responsibility, i.e. day dreaming and avoid responsibility, i.e. day dreaming and writing creating stories about fantasy all day writing creating stories about fantasy all day opposed to solving personal problems.opposed to solving personal problems.

Another Benefit for JournalingAnother Benefit for Journaling

Peter Mass, a journalist for the Peter Mass, a journalist for the New York New York TimesTimes encouraged and inspired students encouraged and inspired students to continue to use writing as a form of to continue to use writing as a form of empowerment rather then using violence. empowerment rather then using violence.

(Freedom Writer’s Diary)(Freedom Writer’s Diary)

Overall, I (Danny P.) highly recommend the Overall, I (Danny P.) highly recommend the book: book: The Freedom WritersThe Freedom Writers..

Survivors: You’re not aloneSurvivors: You’re not alone..

There is probably a book/ published There is probably a book/ published journal, biography for any situation journal, biography for any situation your patient may be suffering.your patient may be suffering.

War, Suffering, DiscriminationWar, Suffering, Discrimination

Zlata FilipovicZlata Filipovic

Zlata’s DiaryZlata’s Diary

She was 12 y.o. when She was 12 y.o. when her country Sarajevo her country Sarajevo was under attack. was under attack.

She kept a journal prior She kept a journal prior to the war until she to the war until she was able to leave the was able to leave the country as a refugee.country as a refugee.

Zlata's experiences:Zlata's experiences:

Having no food, water, electricity, and gas Having no food, water, electricity, and gas for over one-year and during the harsh for over one-year and during the harsh winter. winter.

Not being able to go to school and play Not being able to go to school and play with her friendswith her friends

The death of close friends, school mates, The death of close friends, school mates, and family from snipers and bombs.and family from snipers and bombs.

Having to live in a musty basement to stay Having to live in a musty basement to stay alive.alive.

Was journaling therapeutic?Was journaling therapeutic?

Zlata said: Zlata said: writing was her salvation during writing was her salvation during the war and that it kept her sane. She the war and that it kept her sane. She suggested that writing might be one of the suggested that writing might be one of the best vehicles for some of Mrs. Gruewell’s best vehicles for some of Mrs. Gruewell’s students to escape their horrific students to escape their horrific environments and personal demons.environments and personal demons.

(Freedom Writer’s Diary, 1999).(Freedom Writer’s Diary, 1999).

Zlata on journalingZlata on journaling

If I had a bad day, or I felt sad about If I had a bad day, or I felt sad about something, and as soon as I was sad, something, and as soon as I was sad, bothered or worried, I knew where to turn bothered or worried, I knew where to turn to first – the diary. to first – the diary.

Zlata is my age: 28. She had written her Zlata is my age: 28. She had written her diary in 1992 at the age of 12. I don’t diary in 1992 at the age of 12. I don’t imagine many of us in here have suffered imagine many of us in here have suffered the fate that she had. the fate that she had.

Zlata today:Zlata today:

Her diary, once published allowed her an Her diary, once published allowed her an opportunity to leave the country. opportunity to leave the country.

She graduated in 2001 with a B.A. in She graduated in 2001 with a B.A. in human sciences from the University of human sciences from the University of Oxford. She lives in Ireland and works to Oxford. She lives in Ireland and works to promote human rights. promote human rights.

Physical DisabilityPhysical Disability

Bethany Hamilton. Bethany Hamilton.

Soul SurferSoul Surfer

Bethany was a Bethany was a teenage surfer living teenage surfer living in Hawaii. She grew in Hawaii. She grew up in the ocean. Both up in the ocean. Both of her parents were of her parents were surfers. surfers.

Her arm was bitten off Her arm was bitten off in a rare shark attack, in a rare shark attack, first recorded in the first recorded in the location in Hawaii. location in Hawaii.

Was her book therapeutic?Was her book therapeutic?

She had written her book with a spiritual She had written her book with a spiritual advisor and an author. advisor and an author.

Bethany poured her heart out to her Bethany poured her heart out to her spiritual advisor and pastor. spiritual advisor and pastor.

There are scientific studies that prove the There are scientific studies that prove the healing benefits for “pouring emotions,” healing benefits for “pouring emotions,” which we will cover later today. which we will cover later today.

Bethany todayBethany today

Bethany continues to surf today. Bethany Bethany continues to surf today. Bethany was also featured in “Logan Magazine,” was also featured in “Logan Magazine,” which is a magazine that profiles which is a magazine that profiles successful young people with disabilities. successful young people with disabilities.

Logan Magazine could be great for Logan Magazine could be great for bibliotherapy. bibliotherapy.

Logan Olson comments:Logan Olson comments: I (Danny P.) had a friend request on myspace I (Danny P.) had a friend request on myspace

from Logan Olson, the from Logan Olson, the Creative DirectorCreative Director of of Logan MagazineLogan Magazine. I was shocked she found me . I was shocked she found me because I had recently read the book because I had recently read the book Soul Soul SurferSurfer. .

Logan posted this comment: Logan posted this comment: I sustained a brain I sustained a brain injury in 2001, My RT always played UNO with injury in 2001, My RT always played UNO with me to get my hands working again. I loved my me to get my hands working again. I loved my PT, OT and ST but I had a blast with my RT.PT, OT and ST but I had a blast with my RT.Love, Logan Love, Logan

Logan said that she is living her dream by Logan said that she is living her dream by writing, creating and directing her magazine!writing, creating and directing her magazine!

Dysfunctional FamilyDysfunctional Family

Jeanette Walls Jeanette Walls

The Glass CastleThe Glass Castle

Jeanette grew up with Jeanette grew up with parents who did not parents who did not have their priorities have their priorities correct. They would correct. They would not work. Father left not work. Father left child with known child with known abuser. They would abuser. They would flee and move when flee and move when bills piled up, yet they bills piled up, yet they owned valuable owned valuable property. property.

Was writing therapeutic?Was writing therapeutic?

Jeanette Walls stated: “Writing the book Jeanette Walls stated: “Writing the book was hugely [therapeutic] on so many was hugely [therapeutic] on so many levels.levels.

(MSNBC Interview, 2005). (MSNBC Interview, 2005).

Substance AbuseSubstance Abuse

Go Ask AliceGo Ask Alice

AnonymousAnonymous

Book could offer Book could offer therapeutic therapeutic benefits from benefits from people in rehab people in rehab trying to quit trying to quit drugs/ drinking.drugs/ drinking.

Alice kept a journal Alice kept a journal during her youth. It during her youth. It kept a detailed record kept a detailed record of her thoughts and of her thoughts and feelings and the time feelings and the time which she began to which she began to experiment with experiment with drugs. Ultimately, she drugs. Ultimately, she died from an died from an overdose.overdose.

What you need to start?What you need to start?

A journal, notebook, legal pad, or paperA journal, notebook, legal pad, or paper Pencil, ink pens, colored ink pens work Pencil, ink pens, colored ink pens work

well with children and young teens, based well with children and young teens, based on my personal experience. on my personal experience.

A place to write. A place to write. Time to write. Time to write. It is that easy. It is that easy.

Use a timerUse a timer

Roberta Allen (2002) suggests using a Roberta Allen (2002) suggests using a timer to help a person to concentrate/ timer to help a person to concentrate/ focus her or his energy. focus her or his energy.

Set it for 10, 15, or 30 minutes and write Set it for 10, 15, or 30 minutes and write non-stop regardless until the timer buzzes. non-stop regardless until the timer buzzes.

She argues that writing freely, leisurely, She argues that writing freely, leisurely, and spontaneously allows one’s true voice and spontaneously allows one’s true voice can be found. (Self-discovery). can be found. (Self-discovery).

Other Forms of Self-ExpressionOther Forms of Self-Expression

What if you do not like writing? Good What if you do not like writing? Good news, there are other forms of self-news, there are other forms of self-expression that you can use! expression that you can use!

According to the definition of Goodale & According to the definition of Goodale & Godby, (1985) it is not leisure if it is Godby, (1985) it is not leisure if it is “forced.”“forced.”

According to Allen (2002) one finds their According to Allen (2002) one finds their true voice (self-concept) through free, true voice (self-concept) through free, leisurely writing. leisurely writing.

Motivation TechniquesMotivation Techniques

Deci & Flaste (1995) Deci & Flaste (1995) Why we do what we Why we do what we do: the dynamics of personal autonomy:do: the dynamics of personal autonomy: have a four-step process for developing have a four-step process for developing internal motivation.internal motivation.1.1. Provide a rationale for the behavior, in this Provide a rationale for the behavior, in this

case: writing. case: writing.

2.2. Acknowledge the person’s feelingsAcknowledge the person’s feelings

3.3. Invite them to tryInvite them to try

4.4. Allow them to make the choiceAllow them to make the choice. .

Internal vs. External MotivationInternal vs. External Motivation

Deci & Flaste (1995) are opposed to Deci & Flaste (1995) are opposed to rewarding a person for completing an rewarding a person for completing an appropriate behavior because this puts the appropriate behavior because this puts the focus on the external “getting a reward” focus on the external “getting a reward” opposed to the internal “enjoying the opposed to the internal “enjoying the behavior: in this case: writing.” behavior: in this case: writing.”

The behavior, writing, in this case should The behavior, writing, in this case should be the real reward.be the real reward.

The Real RewardThe Real Reward

Anne Lamott (1994) in her book: Anne Lamott (1994) in her book: Bird-by-bird: Bird-by-bird: some instructions on writingsome instructions on writing and life argues that and life argues that a person should enjoy the process of writing a person should enjoy the process of writing (internal motivation) opposed to being focused (internal motivation) opposed to being focused on getting published (external reward) because on getting published (external reward) because those who write for the money often create work those who write for the money often create work that is phony to the reader. The reader wants a that is phony to the reader. The reader wants a real piece of creative art, which can only be real piece of creative art, which can only be created by one who loves to write.created by one who loves to write.

““But I have too much to tell.”But I have too much to tell.”

What if you’ve had many experiences, too What if you’ve had many experiences, too much bad to write? much bad to write?

Use the bird-by-bird technique by Lamott Use the bird-by-bird technique by Lamott (1994). (1994).

She had to write a report on birds and her She had to write a report on birds and her father told her: Anne, just do it bird-by-bird, father told her: Anne, just do it bird-by-bird, in other words, one at a time. in other words, one at a time.

Use baby-steps from what about Bob Use baby-steps from what about Bob movie.movie.

Activity # 1Activity # 1

Let’s play a little game. Let’s play a little game. First, I want to give thanks to Hal Urban for First, I want to give thanks to Hal Urban for

special written permission to re-use this special written permission to re-use this activity. activity.

Select any 3 words from the sheet. Select any 3 words from the sheet. Use each of the 3 words in a different Use each of the 3 words in a different

sentence at the bottom of the sheet. sentence at the bottom of the sheet. How do these words make you feel? How do these words make you feel?

Activity # 2Activity # 2

Complete the same process with these Complete the same process with these words. words.

Select any 3 words from the listSelect any 3 words from the list Use the 3 words, each in a different Use the 3 words, each in a different

sentence at the bottom of your paper. sentence at the bottom of your paper. Were these sentences more positive?Were these sentences more positive?

The purpose of this activityThe purpose of this activity??

To understand the positive effects of To understand the positive effects of words in our life. words in our life.

It does not matter if you say think about it It does not matter if you say think about it or don’t think about it, the fact that the or don’t think about it, the fact that the word crosses your mind, you have thought word crosses your mind, you have thought about it. about it.

Focus on the positive. Focus on the positive. Keep a gratitude journal to help you focus Keep a gratitude journal to help you focus

on the positive! on the positive!

Positive words mean:Positive words mean:

An increase in the number of positive An increase in the number of positive words in a person’s journal could words in a person’s journal could demonstrate an increase in a more demonstrate an increase in a more positive attitude.positive attitude.

Elderly and the power of wordsElderly and the power of words

Experiment: Willing people who are elder Experiment: Willing people who are elder were randomly selected and sent to one of were randomly selected and sent to one of two rooms to learn instructions for test. two rooms to learn instructions for test.

In room 1: the instructor used words like: In room 1: the instructor used words like: weak, puny, fragile, forgetful. weak, puny, fragile, forgetful.

In room 2: the instructor used words like: In room 2: the instructor used words like: smart, experienced, strong willed, etc. smart, experienced, strong willed, etc.

They were told to walk down hall to a They were told to walk down hall to a different room to complete activity. different room to complete activity.

The real testThe real test

There was not a major activity in the room There was not a major activity in the room down the hall. down the hall.

They timed how long it took for the person They timed how long it took for the person who was elder to walk down the hall. who was elder to walk down the hall.

Which group do you think walked minutes Which group do you think walked minutes faster? faster?

Naturally, those who had the instructor Naturally, those who had the instructor who used positive words.who used positive words.

To increase positive attitudeTo increase positive attitude

I have my patients to keep a “Grateful I have my patients to keep a “Grateful Journal.” One x per week. Journal.” One x per week.

It is a scrapbook, which they keep It is a scrapbook, which they keep pictures, drawings, stickers, quotes, and pictures, drawings, stickers, quotes, and items that they are grateful for. items that they are grateful for.

They can open their book anytime to They can open their book anytime to increase positive feeling of being grateful. increase positive feeling of being grateful.

Technique is great for psych facilities.Technique is great for psych facilities.

Positive Reflections Journal EntryPositive Reflections Journal Entry

According to (Pennebaker, 1990) an According to (Pennebaker, 1990) an increase in positive words is an indicator increase in positive words is an indicator of an increase in health. of an increase in health.

A moderate number of negative words is A moderate number of negative words is an indicator of good health.an indicator of good health.

Very high and very low levels of negative Very high and very low levels of negative words is an indicator of poor health. Low words is an indicator of poor health. Low because person is avoiding truth. because person is avoiding truth.

Adaptive TechniquesAdaptive Techniques

Poor grip: Use a pencil grip, or get a small Poor grip: Use a pencil grip, or get a small nerf ball and push the pencil/ ink pen nerf ball and push the pencil/ ink pen through the middle to allow the person a through the middle to allow the person a better grip. better grip.

Use a tape recorder. Expressing emotions Use a tape recorder. Expressing emotions via speaking can be beneficial as well.via speaking can be beneficial as well.

The use of drawingThe use of drawing

At the facility I work, I had a little boy who At the facility I work, I had a little boy who refused to speak about his abuse issues refused to speak about his abuse issues with his individual counselor. with his individual counselor.

I am pleased to acknowledge that it was I am pleased to acknowledge that it was the recreation therapist who helped him to the recreation therapist who helped him to open up and start talking about his abuse open up and start talking about his abuse through a creative arts project, which they through a creative arts project, which they designed their own life comic book. designed their own life comic book.

The backwards comicThe backwards comic

He drew amazing pictures, but his comic He drew amazing pictures, but his comic was backwards. was backwards.

He had written and drew pictures about his He had written and drew pictures about his mother being on crack, the men who mother being on crack, the men who would sexually abuse them at the crack would sexually abuse them at the crack house, and picking up cans on I-64 to house, and picking up cans on I-64 to recycle in order to buy food for self and recycle in order to buy food for self and younger brother. younger brother.

Manga TechniqueManga Technique

The boy told me that he was making his The boy told me that he was making his comic correct and that I (Danny P.) did not comic correct and that I (Danny P.) did not know anything about comics. know anything about comics.

I grew up with Batman, Spiderman. I grew up with Batman, Spiderman. He grew up with Manga and Japanese art.He grew up with Manga and Japanese art. He introduced his book to me. His book He introduced his book to me. His book

was interesting that it read: “Property of: was interesting that it read: “Property of: such-and-such county public library.”such-and-such county public library.”

Is drawing therapeutic?Is drawing therapeutic?

The story of The story of “Sparky”“Sparky”

by Earl Nightingale by Earl Nightingale

Nightingale is also the author ofNightingale is also the author of

The Strangest Secret RecordingThe Strangest Secret Recording

And is considered to be the founder ofAnd is considered to be the founder of

The self-help field.The self-help field.

Who was Sparky?Who was Sparky?

Charles Shultz.Charles Shultz. Creator of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, the Peanuts.

Research on journalingResearch on journaling

The majority of research on the topic of The majority of research on the topic of journaling and the healing power of journaling and the healing power of expressing emotions had been completed expressing emotions had been completed by James Pennebaker, PhD.by James Pennebaker, PhD.

Pennebaker studied:Pennebaker studied:

People who have lost jobsPeople who have lost jobs Had spouse to recently dieHad spouse to recently die Survivors of HolocaustSurvivors of Holocaust Rape victims Rape victims New mothers New mothers Students from grade school to medStudents from grade school to med

Benefits for writing or artBenefits for writing or art

Writing about upsetting events provides both Writing about upsetting events provides both physical and psychological benefits. physical and psychological benefits.

Writing about an issue allows a person to Writing about an issue allows a person to resolve a difficult problem: divorce, death of a resolve a difficult problem: divorce, death of a loved one, war, financial ruin, disability, public loved one, war, financial ruin, disability, public humiliation, etc. humiliation, etc.

It is a basic need to express one self, rather It is a basic need to express one self, rather visual arts, dance, etc. Von Gough had twisted visual arts, dance, etc. Von Gough had twisted visions or art. Hank Williams Jr. has conflicting visions or art. Hank Williams Jr. has conflicting musical themes. Writing is just one creative art musical themes. Writing is just one creative art for expression, like other master pieces. for expression, like other master pieces.

Pennebaker on BenefitsPennebaker on Benefits::

Clears the mindClears the mind Resolves traumas Resolves traumas Improves memoryImproves memory Increase problem-solving skillsIncrease problem-solving skills Increases ability to copeIncreases ability to cope Increase creativityIncrease creativity Writing is preventative maintenance/ Writing is preventative maintenance/

health promotion. health promotion.

Evidence suggests:Evidence suggests:

Writing can improve affect/ moodWriting can improve affect/ mood Improve immune system/ improve health. Improve immune system/ improve health. One study by Pennebaker and Ball One study by Pennebaker and Ball

revealed based on blood samples taken revealed based on blood samples taken shortly after writing, that those who had shortly after writing, that those who had written about deepest thoughts and written about deepest thoughts and feelings had increase immune cells feelings had increase immune cells compared to those who had written about compared to those who had written about superficial topics. superficial topics.

Activity # 3Activity # 3

Thoughts, Feelings, Solutions Journal Thoughts, Feelings, Solutions Journal EntryEntry

ChallengeChallenge

Create something to express the real you Create something to express the real you so you’ll be understood or so that you can so you’ll be understood or so that you can simply understand yourself more. simply understand yourself more.

You have free choice: write a book, create You have free choice: write a book, create a painting, a collection of paintings or a painting, a collection of paintings or doodle art in a journal. doodle art in a journal. Create anything.Create anything.

Present it next year at this Present it next year at this conference.conference.

Door Prizes!Door Prizes!

Contact InformationContact Information

Danny PettryDanny Pettry

Online: Online: www.DannyPettry.Comwww.DannyPettry.Com

Email: Email: Danny@dannypettry.comDanny@dannypettry.com