The Open Letter Project: A Weekly Survivor Support Group with Cristel

A weekly expressive writing and sharing group

A participatory group centered on writing between meetings and sharing in a supportive, non-fixing space.

A weekly space to write the letters you were never allowed to send.

The Open Letter Project is a creative, expressive, and supportive group built around open-letter prompts that you work with throughout the week, then bring back to share and reflect on together.

Each week, you’ll receive one open-letter prompt.

You sit with it.
Think about it.
Write when it feels right.
Let it organize what’s been swirling inside.

The meeting itself is not for writing.
It’s for sharing what you’ve already written, reading aloud if you choose, and reflecting on what putting it into words unlocked.

This is not a traditional journaling group.

It’s expressive writing, verbalizing prepared thoughts, and being witnessed.

What makes this group different

Many people struggle to express themselves clearly in the moment. Thoughts jump around. Words disappear mid-sentence. Attention shifts to other people’s reactions instead of staying with what you’re trying to say.

Writing first changes that.

This group is intentionally structured around writing before the meeting, so you’re not forced to process or explain yourself on the spot. Writing allows you to complete a thought without interruption, self-editing, or pressure.

Over time, bringing written thoughts into a verbal space helps build confidence and makes speaking easier in smaller, more manageable spurts.

Active participation in this group includes engaging with the weekly prompt through writing, in whatever way works for you.

Examples of open-letter prompts may include:
• An open letter to your anxiety
• An open letter to your younger self
• An open letter to the person who never protected you
• An open letter to your inner critic
• An open letter to the version of you that survived everything

Some prompts will be light.
Some will be deep.
Some will be both.

Prompts may come from group themes, participant suggestions, or the facilitator, and are always offered with care and intention.

Where this came from

The Open Letter Project grew out of my own healing process.

For much of my life, I struggled to express what I felt out loud. Even with safe people, I often froze, lost my train of thought, or became overwhelmed trying to make myself understood.

Writing became a bridge.

By writing first, I could organize my thoughts, finish what I wanted to say, and then bring those words into a shared space. Over time, my voice grew stronger, and being witnessed in that process made real change possible.

This group is built on that same practice:

Write first.
Then speak.
Then be seen.

What to expect

Each meeting includes:
• A brief check-in
• Sharing from the previous week’s writing
• Group reflection and discussion (no fixing or advice-giving)
• Selection of the next open-letter prompt for the coming week

Sharing is always optional. You may read your letter, read an excerpt, summarize what you wrote, or simply listen. There is no pressure to perform and no expectation to share anything you’re not ready to share.

This is a non-fixing space focused on presence, clarity, and being witnessed.

Who this group is for

This group is for people who:
• Want to express themselves more clearly
• Struggle with off-the-cuff verbal processing
• Feel scattered or overwhelmed when explaining their thoughts out loud
• Want a structured but relaxed way to practice using their voice
• Are open to using writing as a tool for self-expression and growth

You do not need to be a writer.
You do not need perfect grammar.
You just need a willingness to engage with the process.