Mary C. Mueller, LICSW

Expressive Writing is a powerful, effective method that uses the written word to enhance talk therapy. It is based on the collective work and wisdom of journal writers through the decades, work that evolved into writing techniques for personal growth and self-development. Its unique power lies in its ability to integrate expression of powerful emotion with thought and reflection. In the process, the writer achieves balance and perspective. 

Research: In the late 1980s, James Pennebaker, Ph.D. conducted a study that has been replicated over 200 times. It showed that Expressive Writing about a traumatic life event, especially one that has never been processed, can improve
the writer’s health. Follow-up studies confirmed that expressive writing can improve the immune system, blood pressure, asthma and memory. The studies use a simple writing technique – to write for 15-20 minutes, four times, about a trauma or stressful life event. The writing creates a narrative that allows the writer to understand life events, put them in perspective, and move on. 

How Does it Work? Expressive Writing encompasses a wide range of techniques – logs, lists, dream journals, unsent letters, reflective writing, the Pennebaker model, narrative, dialogues, description, poems and free-intuitive writing. As part of talk therapy, we work together to use them to to attain your therapeutic goals. 

Some clients keep a journal between sessions, which is a valuable way to observe and record therapeutic changes. It also provides continuity, focus and efficiency. 

Expressive Writing is confidential and private. You are writing for yourself, with no other audience in mind. The writing, of course, can be shared in therapy, but it is not essential. What is important is talking about the process of writing, what you felt and what you realized. 

Expressive Writing is not a writing assignment for English class. No attention is paid to spelling, grammar, sentence, structure, etc. Your writing is NEVER critiqued. This writing is FOR YOU, as a way to communicate with yourself, to learn about yourself, to help you appreciate and understand who you are.

Other Benefits: Expressive Writing can tap into creative energy, so it can be valuable as material for creative writers. 

Expressive Writing techniques are helpful as a way to break through writer’s block. 

Expressive Writing can be a powerful tool for empowerment, a way of strengthening your voice.

Who should consider Expressive Writing? Anyone who is comfortable with writing. Anyone who has kept a journal. Anyone who might initially be more comfortable writing about issues than talking about them. Anyone who wants to experience the freeing power and energy of Expressive Writing.

I have studied and incorporated Expressive Writing into my psychotherapy practice for over 15 years. I have attended Expressive Writing conferences, researched expressive writing literature and offered numerous workshops, including workshops for therapists. I have experienced the power of Expressive Writing in therapy, and I hope to share it with you.

Psychotherapy helps you master emotional obstacles to your goals. With effective therapy, you can begin to move in a productive, satisfying direction. 

It is complicated for a therapist to explain why and how therapy works, but research shows it does. Successful therapy has to do with the right combination of a relationship with a therapist you trust and the therapist\\\'s ability to match knowledge and skill to your needs.

My practice is designed to bring the breadth and depth of my academic training, clinical experience and intuition to bear on your situation.  I was trained in a psychodynamic, intensive graduate program which taught the process of creating a finely tuned therapeutic relationship.  I incorporate a variety of methods with this basic foundation.

I have been trained in short-term therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, couples therapy, family therapy and treatment of trauma. These approaches offer valuable skills for relaxation, mindfulness, stress management and regulating overwhelming emotion - and for changing destructive thinking.

I now offer expressive/therapeutic writing as a powerful tool for change.

I work with clients undergoing stress, marital and relationship issues, transition, adjustment, grief, chronic illnesses, trauma, depression, anxiety and bi-polar illness.

My practice welcomes individual adults, couples and students. 

If you have written anything from a journal to a shopping list, you have experienced the power of expressive writing - to organize thoughts, release feelings, describe important moments, facilitate balance and calm, contain grief, and generate insight to help make sense of your life.

The power of expressive writing to change and enhance your life is not limited to therapy sessions.  Workshops are an ideal setting for generating creative energy through a combination of writing and group inspiration.

As a therapist trained as a group leader, and as a poet who participates in creative writing and poetry workshops, I understand how to harness this unique power for your personal growth

Workshops are designed for many purposes, using expressive writing prompts and techniques as guidelines for participant's work.  One workshop member said "I wrote my way out of trouble" about a workshop focused on writing about stressful events, based on the research model of James Pennebaker, Ph.D.  Other workshops explore personal narrative,  inhibitions about writing, using a journal more effectively or strengthening your voice.