The Things They Carry Project
TTC relies on writing and the humanities to helps frontline workers process the trauma of the pandemic through writing workshops co-led by a psychoanalyst and writer. This model has expanded to help traumatized groups globally.
The workshops brings psychoanalytic thinking to populations far from the physical realm of a psychotherapist’s office. Historically, it is western, rich, educated, industrialized nations whose people enjoy the benefits of psychoanalysis, but with TTC, doctors and nurses in Nigeria, refugees in Bangladesh or relief workers from the war in Ukraine can also take part.
Things They Carry Project is designed to promote resilience, healing, and self-care. Our workshops offer participants the opportunity to write, to share their writing with others, to listen to others’ stories and to experience a sense of community. Recent research has shown that writing about distressing life events promotes emotional and physical health and fosters a sense of hope.