What happens in a literary therapist's office?
In many ways, literacy therapy refers to a therapeutic process of interaction involving the therapist or counsellor, the client in individual therapy and the members of the group in group therapy.
In literary therapy, you will read from texts, write yourself and discuss the feelings and thoughts evoked by the texts you read and write. Literary therapy is based on the idea that it is easier to approach one's own problems and feelings through written texts than directly. Texts can help you to identify things and feelings that have previously been hidden or for which you have not even had words.
The power of interaction
Just reading or writing can be therapeutic, but literacy therapy always involves discussing the feelings and thoughts that come from reading and writing.
Interaction provides an opportunity to mirror your own thoughts, feelings and experiences with those of others, which can lead to new insights and perspectives on, for example, the possibility of change.
Writing, on the other hand, has been found to enhance the brain's ability to deal with emotions such as fear, thus reducing their impact.
You can read more about literary therapy here.
Literary therapy for life's turning points
This blog post opens a window into the world of literary therapy and gives a taste of how reading and writing can serve as a key to deeper self-awareness and spiritual growth.
Welcome on a journey where words are not just ink on paper, even if they look like ink at first glance.
As your guide on your journey, I, your Word Bearer, will be your guide. My role in this world is precisely to guide you through the process of transformation made possible by reading and writing. I will help you find a space where words not only tell stories but also heal wounds and bring about change.
My service is specifically aimed at people who are in pain at life's turning points. Whether it is motherhood the joys and sorrows of motherhood, the introspection of menopause, the pain of loss or the upheaval of divorce, they are not only challenges but also opportunities for profound personal growth. Through carefully selected readings and reflective writing exercises, I help my clients navigate these waters and find strength and clarity in the midst of change.
I also serve you who want to unleash your creativity. Whether you want to start your journey as a creative or autobiographical or just explore new possibilities for self-expression, I offer you the tools and support to unleash your creative potential. In my receptions and groups, we delve into the world of words and use them as keys to unlock the enormous creative power that lies within each of us.
What is literary therapy?
Literary therapy has its roots going back centuries. For example, many early cultures believed in the healing power of the spoken or sung word, and Finnish folklore is also rich in healing and curing spells.
The modern approach to literary therapy is based on the European philosophical trends of the 19th and 19th centuries, which reflected on the characteristics of human consciousness and action, both from an individual and general point of view. Practical literary therapy, as it is understood today, emerged in the United States, where poetry was first used to treat mental health problems in the early 19th century.
In Finland, interest in literary therapy began in the 1970s, when the Alppila mental health office in Helsinki started experimenting with poetry therapy methods. Since then, the scope of literary therapy has expanded from clinical treatment to include, for example, the treatment and prevention of various addictions, language development disorders, preventive mental health work and self-help, libraries, educational institutions and various growth groups and hobby circles.
You can read more about the history of literary therapy here.
Literacy therapy - both in individual sessions and in groups - involves guided reading, writing and discussion. A wide range of texts can be used to stimulate discussion and writing, such as poems, short stories and novel excerpts, newspaper articles and song lyrics, but also photographs, postcards, videos, films and various objects.
Literature has a unique ability to touch deep emotions in a way that speaks to each person on an individual level. It can offer comfort, provide new perspectives and help express emotions that would otherwise be difficult to express.
Creative writing, on the other hand, allows us to explore and express our inner world. It offers a form of self-expression that can be both purifying and empowering. Through writing, we can shape our own story, explore different facets of our identity and find a voice for feelings that may have gone unnoticed or unacknowledged.
First meeting with a literary therapist
The first meeting lays the groundwork for future work. The aim is to get to know each other, to shed light on the literacy therapy process and to find out whether literacy therapy is the right method for the client and whether I am the right therapist for the client.
The beginning - like the whole process with me - is gentle. As a trained literacy therapist and soon-to-be graduate literacy therapist, I understand the importance of finding the right rhythm and creating an environment where you feel heard and understood. This is why I prefer to meet with my clients in my own office space, which I have designed to be comfortable, cosy and safe, to encourage open discussion and reflection.
One of the most important elements of the first meeting is your story. This is a crucial step, as it helps me to understand where you are in your life journey and what you hope to achieve through literacy therapy. I encourage you to talk about your current life situation, the key turning points in your life, any challenges you face and your hopes.
The importance of this stage cannot be overstated. With your story, I can begin to tailor the literacy therapy process to your individual needs and experiences. This will also help to build the mutual trust and understanding that are essential for a successful therapeutic relationship.
Based on your story and your goals, I will also select written material and exercises that are specific to your experiences and emotional needs. This is one of the cornerstones of literacy therapy. The materials and exercises are designed to mirror, challenge and expand your understanding of your own experiences and of yourself.
Of course, I will keep a close eye on our progress throughout the process and make any necessary changes on that basis. After all, the materials and tasks are never chosen at random, but are carefully curated to speak to you and your goals. They serve as a starting point for reflection, discussion and writing exercises in subsequent sessions.
How literary therapy works
The literacy therapy process offers a structured but deeply personal journey that can be tailored to each individual's unique needs and desires. In most cases, the goal is some form of change, the underlying mechanisms of which have been described as a four-step interaction process, among others. You can read more about it here.
The process of literacy therapy can also be described as a process developed by Abigail Alfrey et al. EFECT model by means of. The name of the model comes from the English words Engaging, Feeling, Exploring, Connecting and Transferring.
Engaging: the first step is to create a safe and inviting physical and mental space where the participant feels comfortable and ready to engage in the therapy process. This engagement is sustained by the meaningfulness and enjoyment of the activity and the sense of safety created by the facilitator.
Feeling: the focus of literary therapy is on experiencing and becoming aware of feelings, sensations, moods and memories. Through reading, writing and discussion, participants encounter immediate emotional reactions and relive emotional memories. This is crucial for understanding and managing feelings, thoughts and actions.
Exploring: this stage deepens the understanding of your own life experiences and their meaning. Literature and exercises act as catalysts for discussion, allowing you to delve into your inner world with your therapist or in group therapy with other participants.
Connecting: literature helps participants to make connections with different aspects of their lives - the present, past experiences, their own self and other people. This increases empathy and understanding between people.
Transferring: the final step is to transfer your thoughts and feelings into written form. This process helps to organise chaotic thoughts, turn vague feelings into concrete ones and shake off unnecessary burdens. Writing allows you to step back and look at your own experiences and memories more objectively.
In practice, the stages described in the model overlap, as the process of literacy therapy is always dynamic, layered, comprehensive and long-lasting.
How to unlock the locks of creativity
Writing is not only a way to communicate; it is also a powerful and effective tool for self-expression, growth and mental well-being.
The journey towards unlocking the creativity within us all and exploring our emotions, memories, experiences and self begins with overcoming the obstacles to writing. Many people mistakenly believe that they are not "natural writers" or that they lack the creative gene. I know the feeling, I've believed it myself, like here you can read here.
To dispel these beliefs, I use a variety of techniques and writing exercises designed to gently coax creativity out. Below are some examples.
Stream of consciousness writing
The stream-of-consciousness writing method encourages you to let your inner critic run wild and write uninhibited, regardless of grammar, punctuation, structure or stylistic constraints. The aim is to allow emotions and thoughts to flow freely and uninterrupted onto the page. Often, the pen draws surprising and insightful observations on the page from an unconscious mind.
Themed writing prompts
Sometimes I will give you writing prompts based on your interests, experiences or themes that emerge from our literary therapy sessions. They encourage you to explore your inner self through writing.
Guided imagery training and visualisation
Sometimes the journey towards words starts somewhere other than on paper. Through guided imagery exercises, I will lead you to visualise scenes, memories, places or hypothetical situations, which you will later transform into words in writing.
Structured exercises
Sometimes a more structured approach works best, such as writing a letter to a past or future self or someone close, or writing a short story or poem following the instructions given.
Pictures, objects and other stimuli
I also use a lot of images, objects, music, sensory perceptions and other stimuli that evoke memories and images.
What are the benefits of writing ?
Writing is much more than just putting words in a row on paper or on a computer screen. Writing is a way of exploring the unconscious mind, learning new things about yourself and perhaps those around you, developing your creativity and expressive skills, and communicating with others. Writing also contributes to mental well-being in many ways.
Writing allows for deep introspection. It offers a space to put into words thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to express orally.
Writing can be a cleansing experience, especially when dealing with complex emotions related to life's turning points, such as motherhood, divorce or grief.
Writing, especially about challenging events, situations and experiences can help build resilience and help you identify your own strengths and resources. It also helps you to find new perspectives and to better understand and accept people close to you and the many twists and turns in life.
You can read more about the benefits of writing here.
About the services of a spokesperson
Writing has an incredible power to unpack, to structure, to give perspective, to comfort, to nurture the mind and soul.
I have opened the Pandora's box of my soul in your online course years ago.
The power of matching pen and paper.
They fit together like a glove.
I just wrote to my 15-year-old self. At the end, it was hard to see anything as the tears flowed and cleansed my soul.
Now I feel light.
There is incredible power in words.
Participant of the Write Your Worries Off Your Shoulders online course and subscriber to the weekly newsletter of the Word Keeper
The effects of literacy therapy are long-lasting
Although a literary therapeutic journey often starts with a need related to a particular life stage or event, its effects go much further. Literacy therapy offers long-term benefits and the opportunity for continued growth. It provides tools and insights that will enrich lives long after the therapy process has ended.
Improved mental coping and resilience
Literacy therapy develops emotional resilience. The process helps you to understand, process and manage your emotions more effectively, an invaluable skill when facing future challenges.
Increased self-understanding
Literacy therapy promotes deep self-reflection, leading to a better sense of self. This helps to make informed decisions, fosters healthy relationships and facilitates the building of a life of self-determination.
Finding the joy of creativity
Writing regularly adds to your zest for life. It opens locks, relaxes and helps to cope, frees you from everyday life, gets your thoughts flowing, provides experiences and enjoyment and meaning to life, engages, encourages experimentation, creates a sense of community and generates new ideas. a nd everyday life enriches their lives and provides a constant source of satisfaction and expression.
The long-term benefits of literacy therapy are profound and manifold. By incorporating what you learn in therapy into your daily life, literary therapy becomes a lifelong partner, offering guidance, comfort and inspiration at all stages of life.
I warmly invite you to join me on a journey into the world of literary therapy. Whether you are seeking support in the turmoil of a major life change or searching for your creative potential, the door is open.
How to start literary therapy
If you are interested in literary therapy, please contact us! I am looking for my best practice clients for individual therapy.
Meetings with individual clients are mainly held in my office in Matinkylä, Espoo (Mirjankuja 4). If necessary, we can also meet elsewhere in the Helsinki region or remotely.
For practice clients the price is 40 € / 45 min or 65 € / 90 min.
The duration, number and frequency of the sessions are agreed on the basis of each client's needs and situation, based on an assessment of the situation and a visit.
Note! Literary therapy is not reimbursed by Kela and is not suitable for someone in acute crisis.
Apply by private message or by sending an email to annamari@sananhaltija.fi. In your message, please briefly describe the topics you would like to address in therapy.
For more information on upcoming groups and courses, click here. Upcoming events include a weekend retreat in Pyhtää in March and a writers' trip to Crete.