In this episode I talk about writing – NOT the kind of writing you were made to do in high school or college, or writing for business, or “creative” writing – but rather the kind of writing that you do just for yourself -- personal or private writing. Many studies show that this kind of writing might be particularly helpful if you’re in the middle of a life crisis. In order to draw you in a little bit, I begin by telling two true stories of people in stressful situations, and how writing entered into their picture. Then I talk to Dr. Hud McWilliams, a longtime psychologist and counselor, about why he will sometimes request that a client of his spend time writing a little everyday. Finally, I talk with Tom Allbaugh, who graciously shares how writing about his son’s suicide a year and a half ago helps him.

LINKS:
// Dr. Hud McWilliams: https://www.hudmcwilliams.com/what-we-do/
// Dr. Tom Allbaugh: https://thomasallbugh.blogspot.com/
//Research on writing: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1207/s15327582ijpr1501_2
//Also of interest re writing: https://player.fm/series/the-jordan-b-peterson-podcast/11-dr-james-w-pennebaker
//See Episodes #103 with Larry Enriquez on helping people through extreme grief, and Episode #107 with Greg Emilio
// The River Heron Review: www.riverheronreview.com

// MUSIC: “Porches and Universes” by Puddle of Infinity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgHjUIhb6D4