What if instead of telling people to “just forget about it,” we told them to remember it vividly, and then create something new?
Overcoming emotional pain isn’t about moving on; it’s about moving through.
As the end of the year approaches, I’ve been reflecting on the wins, the losses, and the learnings — and on how creativity continues to shape my work as a psychologist and as a person.
Growing up, I was one of the creative kids. Being dyslexic meant reading and writing were challenges, and reading aloud in class felt terrifying. Yet now, decades later, I find real solace in writing. I’ve rediscovered creativity not just as self-expression but as a pathway to healing and understanding.
This year, I set out to learn more about expressive writing therapy — a process that helps people use writing to process experiences, clarify thinking, and create change. With clients, I’ve used both structured approaches like Written Exposure Therapy (WET) and more flexible journaling between sessions. In every case, I’ve been struck by the emotional depth and transformation that can unfold through the written word.
Writing slows the mind, creates space for reflection, and allows thoughts to rest safely on the page. It supports working memory, helps regulate emotion, and, most importantly, opens the door to new ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving.
Writing, in many ways, is a little bit of magic.
If you feel the call to the page, perhaps start small. Write without expectation. Let your words find you.
If you would like guidance, book a 15-minute intake call with our Principal Psychologist.
Your ally in better mental health
Shannon Quinn