The use of therapeutic writing in an institutional context

Abstract

Background: This article aims to explain the effect of the use of writing, in an institutional therapeutic space, as a means to achieve the therapeutic change in the patient and a greater efficiency in time and in institutional spaces.

Methods: Different forms of using the written document are shown and supported theoretically in the context of narrative and collaborative therapy, as well as examples with the presentation of excerpts of writings of the participants. The sample was composed of patients attending the Hospital de Psiquiatría, Unidad Morelos, to receive treatment in any of the forms (commital and/or outpatient consultation).

Results: Written and oral language exchange meaning continuously, showing that the therapeutic process takes place beyond institutional and therapeutic spaces (and times). This encourages the advantages offered by the use of written language in oral psychotherapeutic processes.

Conclusion: Writing is an intellectual resource which facilitates thinking, since when we write our own experiences the events that constitutes them are organized in time. This produces a perception of change, a representation of meanings, and stimulates self-efficiency, since it produces several stories of the events and experiences.