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Events Quote by Janice Erlbaum

“You read so much about the healing power of memoir, but you don't read about the wounding power it has first. The recollection of past events is not, in and of itself, therapeutic.” quote by Janice Erlbaum
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“You read so much about the healing power of memoir, but you don't read about the wounding power it has first. The recollection of past events is not, in and of itself, therapeutic.”

Janice Erlbaum

About This Quote

Source Book: The Memoir Project by Marion Roach Smith, 2012

Memoirs can harm as much as they heal; recalling past events isn’t automatically therapeutic.

In simple terms: Recalling past isn’t always healing.

Key Takeaway

Critically assess the impact of sharing memories.

Themes

memory healing psychology writing self‑reflection

Mood

reflective cautious

Type

advisory cautionary

When to use this quote

  • therapy sessions
  • creative writing workshops
  • personal journaling
  • support groups

Key Concepts

trauma narrative therapy emotional processing

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you ensure recollection aids growth?
  • When might sharing be harmful?
A Different Perspective

Therapeutic benefit depends on intent and context.

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