Writing prompts for processing trauma
Take your time with these. Some might be difficult for you and some might take multiple days to complete. Be kind to yourself and don’t push yourself too much. If you feel like things are coming up with you that you need help processing, please get in touch with a professional.
- Write about a negative thought you hold that you know is not true, and talk about why it isn’t.
- Write about your safe space (e.g. how you created it, what it means to you, what it represents).
- What does forgiveness mean to you?
- Write a letter to yourself (older, younger, or current – you decide)
- What does happiness mean to you?
- List the biggest needs you feel are not being fulfilled in your life. Write the feelings you experience as a result of these unmet needs. Now, think back to your earliest memories and think of a time when you had the experience of having these same unmet needs and the resulting emotions. Write about that time in your life.
- What is something you feel conflicted or confused about?
- What do you wish other people understood about you?
- What does healing mean to you?
- Write a letter to someone you’re angry with. Don’t send it, it’s just for you. Bonus points if you burn it afterwards!
- What prevents you the most from living life on your own terms?
- Write a list of at least ten of your good qualities.
- Write a list of positive, self-affirming mantras to start memorizing and internalizing in your life each day. Use these to replace the negative messages you’ve grown accustomed to.
- Write a list of people you need to forgive. Write a letter to each person on your list stating what you need to forgive and why.
- Write a list of people whom you have wronged and from whom you need to ask forgiveness. Write letters to these people as well.
- What are you feeling in your body today?
