THERAPEUTIC WRITING AS A FORM OF EGO-STATE THERAPY

In this paper I describe a special form of ego-state therapy that integrates writing letters to one's self as an internal therapeutic communication among various ego states previously not fully aware of each other or engaged in destructive power struggles. Expressing one's thoughts, feelings, and urges in writing transforms primary process activities of the self into secondary processes that are more mature and adaptive to healthy functioning in day-to-day living. This method also reinforces the idea of patient empowerment in the form of self-healing and utilizing internal resources in the process of recovery.