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So often survivors have had their experiences denied, trivialized, or distorted. Writing is an important avenue for healing because it gives you the opportunity to define your own reality. You can say: This did happen to me. It was that bad. It was the fault & responsibility of the adult. I was—and am—innocent.” The Courage to Heal by Ellen Bass & Laura Davis
Ellen Bass
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Writing helps survivors articulate their experiences and reclaim their truth.

This quote emphasizes the power of writing as a means of healing for survivors. It highlights how expressing one's experiences can validate their reality, combat denial or distortion, and empower individuals to acknowledge their suffering and reclaim their innocence.

Themes

WritingHealingSurvivorTruthReality

In practice

Example use cases

In a workshop for trauma survivors, this quote can inspire participants to share their stories.

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There's a part of every living thing that wants to become itself: the tadpole into the frog, the chrysalis into the butterfly, a damaged human being into a whole one.That is spirituality.
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Quote by Ellen Bass | QuoteProject