Starting Point of the Project

Contemporary Mental Health Challenges and the Starting Point of the Project

In recent years, terms like PTSD, trauma, and flashbacks have become widely recognized in Japan. Discussions surrounding mental health struggles and emotional instability are gradually becoming more common.

However, not everyone who suffers in their daily lives is able to receive appropriate care.

While counseling can be effective, difficulties such as “appointments being unavailable” or “not having the energy to seek help when needed” are common. Some individuals find it extremely difficult to even leave their homes. Psychiatric and psychosomatic care are crucial, but the reality is that some people simply cannot access them.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, non-face-to-face services have gradually improved. However, for those living with PTSD, knowledge to protect themselves is still not adequately available.

This thought crossed my mind—

What if grounding techniques could be practiced on a train?
What if, after a distressing nightmare, one could regain their sense of stability at their own pace?
What if, little by little, people could train in healing methods that suit them?

For anyone, at any time, by themselves—could we create a system where people can choose their own grounding plan?

With this idea in mind, “We write to heal.” was born. This project is dedicated to creating and distributing audio scripts that support the experience of returning to the present moment.

Through the power of voice and the structure of words, we aim to increase the spaces in daily life where individuals can feel grounded.

We write to heal.
We put everything into these words.

Let me know if you’d like me to tweak anything!

What Is a Healing Script? – A Self-Care Approach Through VoiceBefore

smartphones became widespread, we had the groundbreaking experience of carrying music with us through Walkmans.
This ability to bring personal soundscapes into crowded spaces was a quiet revolution—allowing people to retreat into their own world, even amidst the noise.
Today, seeing people with earphones is a familiar part of daily life.
This everyday culture of immersive sound made me wonder—could it be used to help individuals living with PTSD and trauma?
From that thought, the concept of healing scripts was born.
With just a smartphone and a pair of earphones, anyone can easily engage in self-care through voice.

• When panic starts to rise on a crowded train
• When going shopping feels overwhelming
• When loneliness creeps in during the night

In those moments, a familiar voice and structured words can serve as an anchor—helping individuals reconnect with the present.
That is the role of healing scripts.
In this project, we create structured audio scripts and invite individuals with reassuring voices to read them aloud, making them available as recorded audio.
The readers don’t need to be professional voice actors—because the most comforting voice is simply the one that feels safe for each person.
Of course, at first, some may struggle to envision what that means.
To support them, we provide sample recordings featuring diverse tones, structures, and vocal styles.
Ultimately, the goal is for those struggling with PTSD to be able to customize their own healing script—tailored to their personal needs.

Structure and Characteristics of Healing Scripts

Healing scripts are structured audio scripts designed to support the experience of returning to the present moment through voice.
Their key features are as follows:

■ Structural Principles
Designed to Avoid Triggers

• Environmental sounds and sound effects are generally not used, as auditory stimuli can sometimes be counterproductive.
• However, if a user prefers, custom arrangements can be made to include them.
• Guiding Principles for Narration
• Calm and steady tone
• A gentle and reassuring presence
• Avoiding speech that feels harsh, rushed, cold, overly intimate, or excessively stylized
• These guidelines serve as an initial framework for sample recordings, but users are free to choose the style that feels most comfortable for them.
• No Restrictions on Gender, Age, or Speaker Type
• The project does not require professional voice actors or specific performers—even AI-generated voices may be effective.
• The most important factor is that the voice feels safe and comforting to the listener.

■ Variations in Script Styles
This project offers multiple script variations tailored to different situations and needs.
Users can freely select and customize their preferred style, such as:

• Gentle conversational guidance
• Soft, reflective monologues
• Minimalist narration with silent pauses
• Logically structured reassurance

Users are also welcome to edit the scripts to best suit their needs.
The process of discovering the most effective tone, pace, and delivery is an integral part of self-care.

■ Audio Recording Support
For those unable to record on their own, the project provides support in creating audio versions.

• Requested scripts are recorded after discussing the user’s preferred narration style and vocal qualities.
• All audio is offered free of charge, with no commercial or profit-driven use intended.

Healing scripts are meant to be read by someone, yet they are also meant to be chosen by the individual, for themselves.
Having choices—itself—is the first step toward healing.