Handwriting as a Metaphor for Relational Understanding

Therapy is a multi-faceted interaction. At it's heart is a need to connect and be seen. Metaphors can be highly useful in helping people reconceptualize their lived reality. Metaphors open doors by making ideas and feelings resonate for us in a deeply personal way.

Handwriting is an interesting metaphor because it involves something uniquely ours. It's literally our signature.

Relationships are about connection. Sometimes it can be hard to feel that connection when we feel stuck, alone or unheard/unseen. Handwriting is interesting as it is highly personal to each individual, yet our brains are uniquely wired to discern what another is conveying. Regardless of the loopiness of the writing, its flow, or the jagged agitation of its presentation, we have the ability to fuse a vision of what is trying to be conveyed. We can understand another even through rushing, emotions, self-esteem tremors, or other blocks to smooth communication.

We can transpose this ability from the visual to the emotional realm. Our brains really are hardwired to make the leap.