One of the first questions people ask me is, “How can you help others share such deeply distressing personal experiences?” Some may ponder about my own emotions and compassion. It’s truly challenging for most individuals to listen to harrowing events, considering our natural emotional responsiveness. Expressing sympathy or empathy is not uncommon, and in my view, it’s important. However, there are also individuals who are curious about my approach and inquire, “How do you manage to do it?”

To be honest, whether it’s an interview for a podcast or a TV show, the process is quite similar. When it comes to writing, the key lies in paying attention to the small but crucial details and following the “show, don’t tell” principle. Delving into the specifics often involves drawing out some uncomfortable experiences from the writers. It requires a great deal of patience, exceptional communication skills, empathy, and genuine compassion. Whenever I collaborate with a client, I make sure to truly care about them and understand how their experiences have influenced their lives.

Writing about trauma is a delicate matter that requires sensitivity and respect towards survivors. It is important to understand that trauma can have a profound impact on a person’s life, and the way it is represented in writing can also have an impact on readers. Therefore, it is crucial to approach the subject with care and thoughtfulness. In this article, we will discuss some techniques for writing about trauma in a way that is sensitive and respectful to survivors.

The first and most important technique is to listen to survivors and respect their experiences. Trauma can be an incredibly personal and sensitive subject, and it is vital to approach it with empathy and understanding. It is not appropriate to assume that we know what a survivor has gone through or what they are feeling. Therefore, it is essential to listen carefully to their stories and experiences, and to ask for their input and feedback throughout the writing process.

Another important technique is to avoid sensationalizing or exploiting trauma for the sake of entertainment or shock value. Trauma is not something that should be used to create drama or excitement. Instead, it should be treated with the gravity and respect that it deserves. This means that writers should avoid graphic descriptions of traumatic events and focus on the emotional impact that trauma can have on survivors.

Finally, it is important to remember that trauma is not the entirety of a survivor’s story. Survivors are complex individuals with many different experiences and identities, and it is important to represent them in a holistic and respectful way. This means that writers should avoid reducing survivors to their trauma and should instead focus on their strengths, resilience, and capacity for healing.

Writing about trauma requires sensitivity, empathy, and respect towards survivors. By listening to survivors, avoiding sensationalism, and representing them in a holistic way, writers can create narratives that honor the complexity of their experiences and promote healing and understanding.