The Mighty Pen

As with all wounds, there is a process for the healing of emotional wounds as well.  Emotional healing is intricate and requires making conscious choices to release the emotional pain.  Throughout this journey, the patient learns the impact of “the mighty pen” in journal writing.  Journal writing is a healthy method to release difficult emotions and to reflect safely upon disturbing thoughts.  The intent is to process these challenging recollections and reflections in a safe, therapeutic environment.  As a licensed professional, I will assist the patient through the demonstration of non-judgmental regard, validation, support, and positive reinforcement while encouraging the patient to seek awareness and insight.

The third stage in the Healing Pen series is the healing cycle.  The journal writing in this stage is more confident and intentional vs. emotional brain storming encouraged in previous sessions.  The increased confidence of the patient will be reflected in the positive and assertive language in the journal writing as well as during discussion.  I will introduce the patient to assertive communication styles which will be practiced in session.  Patients will also be taught healthy boundaries and identifying emotionally unsafe environments.  This stage is important to the patient for both healing and prevention of reoccurring emotional trauma.

The patient finds his/her own communication style which is an empowering part of the writing process.  The journal writing in this stage combines reflection, wisdom, and action for a synergistic effect.  Healing takes place as patients begin to identify themselves as phoenixes (survivors), rising from the trauma and negative experiences of the past.  Through therapeutic journaling, patients identify their strengths, skills and goals.  Patients reclaim their personal power and identify with their own sense of resilience.

Moreover, the third cycle of the Healing Pen Process focuses on a holistic approach: a patient’s actions that he/she will continue to pursue outside of therapy to ameliorate the healing process.  The patient will begin to respect that healing is a holistic approach that requires positive mental attitude; healthy perspectives on life; conscious eating choices for optimal health; exercise; establishing a healthy sleep hygiene; and spiritual abundance.  Finally, the patient becomes actively involved in setting personal short-term and long-term goals complementing emotional healing.  Goals will highlight a weekly schedule of continuous positive activity towards emotional healing and reclaiming one’s life.

Techniques and exercises that were introduced in the first and second stage of the Healing Pen process will become integral components of weekly, positive schedules of activity.  This stage requires that the patient continue to practice mindfulness awareness breathing, meditation, restorative yoga, visualization, affirmations, and other eclectic techniques that I will introduce to the patient throughout the therapeutic process.  Emotional healing is a continuous and conscious process.  This stage evolves to empowerment, the remaining stage in my Healing Pen Process.   Thank you for joining me at Radiant Soulutions LLC.

Your Healer,

Ashanti Shakir, LMFT