One of the most useful means of processing through past abuse, for those that have survived any form of abuse as a child, is to journal. Journaling is something that is done personally and privately. There are several different ways to journal. Yet, the end result for all methods is the same -- to heal.

Some people prefer to write poetry while others prefer to write freehand with no regard to punctuation, grammar, and spelling. Some survivors might like to write until their hand is tired of writing. Others may write only a few sentences at a time. Some survivors may wish to keep a daily journal through their process. The bottom line, for all survivors that journal, is to remember that each person is in charge of their own process. It is also necessary to point out that processing is something that takes place at the pace of each individual.

Poetry is a good method of journaling, since one can use various types of writing. Some poems may rhyme and some may not. It is not about the writing, but about the process taking place inside each survivor. I encourage all survivors of child abuse to try processing through writing. I understand how difficult it might be, but I am of the persuasion that in order to heal, one must express themselves, and it is often safest when done according to an individuals chosen and personal method.

When picking up a pen or pencil to write, it can become slightly overwhelming. Something that I am learning is that it is okay to process in baby steps. They may seem small, but when processing abuse of any form, one should be cautious not to process big chunks of their past. I am learning this tool on a personal level.

My advice to each survivor is to purchase a special book, which will only be used to process through writing. It can be a diary, lined paper or unlined paper in a binder, a special journaling book etc. There are many ways to journal. Another way would be to draw as one processes, through art. This is a tool that I also learned about and one that I am in support of. It may help to process those drawings or writings with a therapist. Doing this helps to release from within.

Good luck on your journaling!