Invisible Injuries- Mental health ambassadors

S03 - Dealing with unwelcome thoughts 7

October 22, 2021

Paramedics treating a patient in the back of an ambulance at night under blue light with message in text

"Write, read and burn"

The purpose of this exercise is to resolve any negative memories that are intruding upon and constricting the persons life in the present, in the form of flashbacks or any other kind of intrusive negative thought or image.

Follow these 4 steps:

1. Write the details of the memory, thought or image that troubles you.

2. Write down any feelings you've about the memory, thought or image. If another person is involved in the memory, addressthese feelings to that person, where appropriate. Include anything you would wish to say or wish you could say to that person.

3. Re-read what you've written, ALOUD

4. Once done...burn or shred the pages.

For best results –“horses for courses” applies. Some might find one tool or technique helpful, others will experiment with another that proves helpful. All are available to try and it’s often about finding “what works” for you.

🖨 reprinted with permission @johnhendenauthor
@wiley-publishing @beatingcombatstress