Write 2 Relate

A Narrative Medicine practice to build better health: Reduce Stress. Create Connections. Restore Yourself. 

Write 2 Relate is a quick narrative medicine writing exercise that has been proven to reduce stress and, when shared, to connect with others. The activity was developed in a clinical environment with the goal of humanizing healthcare interactions and it can also be used effectively in school settings. 

LC students have a great opportunity to connect with other students, colleagues, friends and peers using Write 2 Relate. You can use this simple exercise to help yourself notice the good in the world, ease the difficulties you and others may be facing, and help identify and achieve your goals. During the Fall 2025 semester we’ve brought this activity to several groups on campus and trained a cohort of student facilitators. Looking forward to Spring 2026, we plan to establish ongoing workshops where students can engage with Write 2 Relate. If you belong to an organization on campus that would like to collaborate or have a facilitator lead the activity at your group meeting, please fill out the interest form below.

Write 2 Relate Interest Form

A 3-Minute Mental Makeover™ Certified Program

Developed by Dr. David Thoele and colleagues at Advocate Health under the title The 3 Minute Mental Makeover™  to be used with patients, families, and health professionals in clinical settings. Dr. Thoele is the Co-Director of Narrative Medicine at Advocate Health and a pediatric cardiologist at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Park Ridge IL. Read more about the narrative medicine program at Advocate.

An Evidence-Based Practice

This short writing exercise has been proven to reduce stress and, when shared, to strengthen connection with others (Thoele et al., 2020). Building on previous narrative medicine practices, it makes the beneficial activity of expressive writing quick, easy, and communal. Clinical research studies have found that consistent expressive writing can improve blood pressure, immune function, and wound healing in patients. Read the papers here.