Expressive writing is life-based writing that focuses on authentic expression of lived experience, with resultant insight, growth, and skill-building. Therapists, coaches, healthcare professionals, and educators have known for decades that expressive writing is a powerful tool for better living, learning, and healing. But until now, few have had access to practical applications that have proven successful. In this groundbreaking collection, you'll discover: -how expressive writing can call us into healing community -exciting new discoveries about how writing can support neuroplasticity and actually help change our brains--and thus our thinking and behavior -new research on the role of expressive writing for prevention of compassion fatigue in RNs -how transformative writing can create art from the ashes of trauma -the role of journal writing for emotional balance -sensible ideas about the synergy of expressive writing and play therapy for children, teens, and adults -interventions and strategies for the use of expressive writing in acute psychiatric care -how interactive expressive writing helps deaf teens communicate inarticulate feelings and thoughts -how cancer survivors can use expressive writing to reclaim identity and strength post-treatment -the role of expressive writing in developing the roots of resilience for practitioners