Bob sits down with Lynn Combs an award winning author, speaker, designer, whose journey as a Navy brat, single mother, and late blooming writer embodies the show’s core belief that everyone has a story worth telling and that the telling itself can be transformative. Lynn shares how writing became both a lifeline and a compass through abuse, trauma, self doubt, and years of believing she “couldn’t write” after being told so. Lynn walks through her path from private journaling and poetry to joining supportive writing communities, entering contests, and eventually winning 14 out of 19 submissions at a writers conference. Along the way, Lynn breaks down the myths of overnight literary success, emphasizes the value of critique groups, and explains why “you can’t edit a blank page.” The episode also dives deeply into therapeutic writing journaling, poetry, and storytelling as tools for releasing emotional pain, processing trauma, and choosing forward motion over stagnation making this conversation as practical as it is inspiring for anyone in recovery or creative exploration.
https://lynncombs.com/
In addition to her writing, Lynn is the founder of Blue Shell Designs, where she offers creative web services tailored for authors and storytellers. Learn More at https://blueshelldesigns.com/
Therapeutic Writing
Therapeutic writing, also known as writing therapy or expressive writing, is a legitimate and evidence-based practice used for emotional healing, self-discovery, and personal growth. It involves using the written word to explore, process, and make sense of thoughts, feelings, and experiences, particularly those that are stressful, upsetting, or traumatic. The primary mechanisms through which writing is therapeutic include:
- Emotional Release (Catharsis): Expressing pent-up emotions on paper provides a healthy, private outlet, which can relieve internal tension and prevent emotional suppression, a known stressor on the body.
- Cognitive Processing: Writing helps organize chaotic thoughts and feelings into a coherent narrative, allowing individuals to gain clarity, new perspectives, and find meaning in their experiences.
- Self-Awareness: The process of externalizing thoughts (putting them on paper) fosters self-reflection and introspection, leading to a deeper understanding of one’s own behaviors, triggers, and values.
- Problem-Solving: By reviewing what has been written, individuals can identify
unhelpful thought patterns (a process used in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT) and develop proactive strategies for coping with distress.
Common Techniques
Therapeutic writing encompasses various methods, which can be done on one’s own or guided by a mental health professional:
- Expressive Writing Protocol: A widely researched method where individuals write about a deeply emotional or traumatic experience for 15-20 minutes a day for three to four consecutive days.
- Therapeutic Journaling: A more general practice of regularly documenting personal experiences and reflections to track progress and enhance self-awareness.
- Letter Writing: Composing unsent letters to a person (living or deceased) or even a concept (like an illness or addiction) to articulate feelings and achieve a sense of closure or forgiveness without actual confrontation.
- Creative Writing: Using poetry, short stories, or other creative forms to explore and express emotions metaphorically.
- Gratitude Journaling: Focusing on positive aspects of life and things one is thankful for to boost mood and overall well-being.
Proven Benefits
Research over several decades has demonstrated a wide range of benefits, including:
- Reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Improved physical health outcomes (e.g., enhanced immune function, reduced blood pressure, fewer doctor visits).
- Help in coping with specific life challenges like job loss, bereavement, and chronic illness.
- Increased resilience and emotional regulation.
While therapeutic writing can be an effective and accessible self-help tool, individuals dealing with severe trauma or psychiatric disorders should seek professional guidance to ensure the process is safe and supportive.
Through the Storms and Scars
I’ve learned by walking through the storm,
Not waiting out the rain—
By stitching up my open wounds
And learning from the pain.
Shown love with sharpest thorns
All wrapped up in lies.
But life reveals its lessons
In the fall and not the rise.
Mistakes became my mentors,
Regret, a bitter guide,
Yet every bruise and broken step
Built something strong inside.
The mirror shows a wiser face—
A strength that sorrow grew.
Each scar a tale of battles past
That forged me strong and true.
Growth does not come gently—
It breaks, it bends, it burns.
Only through the ashes
Can the soul begin to learn.
I’ve walked away from battles lost
And left the need to fight.
Some truths we earn by living
Through our darkest night.
Holidays
Next week is Christmas and the holidays can be tough. Hang in there and put some of the toolkit to use. Drop us a line, tell your story, try out writing and if you want, submit your writing to us. We can keep it anonymous if you would like.
Text Us at 501-613-8915
Leave a voicemail 501-613-8915
Email us team@shoutoutfromthepit.com
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