In this reflective writing intervention two clients were experiencing traumatic health problems. Each had limited opportunities to disclose their thoughts and feelings. Patty, a married thirty-five year old mother of two, was newly diagnosed with reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Marissa, a married twenty-eight year old mother of one, had a longstanding history of bulimia. Both women agreed to participate in a three month reflective writing intervention that consisted of continuous writing for fifteen minutes at least three to four times a week. The women were advised to write about their deepest thoughts and feelings related to significant issues they were experiencing. Both agreed to share their reflective writings.

    The reflective writings were carefully analyzed for themes following a constant comparative approach. Follow-up interviews clarified themes. Verbatim remarks were used to explicate findings. Themes included: finding goodness; sharing to help others; deepening strength though not my own; and becoming more of myself.

     Findings indicated that the reflective writing intervention was a highly valuable approach to finding meaning in the traumatic experiences of reflex sympathetic dystrophy and bulimia. Further research is indicated to determine the significance of reflective writing intervention for clients with undisclosed traumatic experiences. For instance, does a reflective writing intervention improve measures of stress and depression in clients with a history of sexual abuse?