Exploring the Healing Power of Writing in Spinal Cord Recovery

In a profound account of resilience and recovery, Tadhg Paul, a 45-year-old man from Greystones, Co. Wicklow, has shared his journey of healing following a spinal cord injury that left him with limited mobility. After a life-altering fall that resulted in grade B quadriplegia, Paul rediscovered his passion for writing and poetry during a nine-month hospitalization, which he credits with aiding his emotional and physical rehabilitation.

On July 21, 2025, Paul recounted his experience in an interview at a café in south Co. Dublin, where he now uses a walking cane to navigate. "It’s almost like I picked [my trauma] up, grasped it, examined it, brought it into the light and sort of declared it to the world," Paul said, emphasizing the therapeutic value of writing as a means of confronting and processing his trauma.

Research supports Paul's assertion; numerous studies have demonstrated the psychological benefits of expressive writing. According to Dr. Aine Connaire, a psychotherapist from Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, writing can serve as a therapeutic tool that allows individuals to engage with their inner thoughts and emotions more deeply. "Journal writing is very different; you’re writing to engage in a process and it is a therapeutic process," Dr. Connaire noted in a recent interview (Connaire, 2023).

During his recovery, Paul found assistive technologies invaluable, enabling him to access digital platforms for audiobooks and podcasts while bedridden. He expressed gratitude for tools like Alexa, which facilitated his re-engagement with writing. "Even if I was stuck in a bed, I could have a very imperfect digital engagement with the world," he remarked.

Paul's journey of self-expression culminated in his participation with the SeaScribes, a writing group that focuses on fostering creativity and providing a supportive community for writers. Founded by psychologist Rita Wall, who writes under the pen name Mairead de Bhal, SeaScribes encourages members to share their work and explore their personal narratives. The group recently published an anthology titled *Cargo of the Soul*, featuring contributions from several members, including Paul, whose pieces reflect on themes of identity and loss.

In addition to his involvement with SeaScribes, Paul is also a member of Strange Birds, an online writing group. These platforms have allowed him to share intimate aspects of his life and connect with others facing similar challenges. "It also gives me a chance to see how it lands – and it lands differently with everybody," he stated.

Fellow SeaScribes member Lesley Smith echoed the sentiments of healing through writing. Smith, a retired health service professional, has used poetry as a means to process her experiences with grief and memory loss among family members. "Writing can be a support to mental health," she emphasized, noting how it allows for expression without the constraints of verbal communication.

The therapeutic impact of writing extends beyond personal narratives; it also fosters community engagement and support. Aoife Demel, the artistic director at the Mermaid Arts Centre, which hosts SeaScribes, believes in the intrinsic value of creativity for well-being. "Creativity for all and the power and value of the arts for wellbeing are among our core beliefs," Demel stated.

Paul’s story is a testament to the potential of creative expression as a tool for healing. As he continues to navigate life post-injury, writing remains a central part of his recovery process, allowing him to confront his trauma and share his journey with others. "Bringing it to a wider audience is part of the healing process," he concluded.

As the field of therapeutic writing expands, practitioners like Dr. Connaire advocate for its use in both professional and personal contexts, while individuals like Paul pave the way for new narratives of resilience and recovery. The intersection of creativity and healing offers hope and inspiration for many facing similar challenges, underscoring the transformative power of storytelling in the journey towards mental and physical recovery.