I think it's similar in effect to prolonged exposure therapy, though don't quote me on it.

For me, it's getting it out and also being able to share it with a safe person (T). I have found it helps decrese my flashbacks of the event, and it helps me feel not to totally alone in it. I've written some of the stuff out before when journaling, but I found the sharing piece is what helps me move past it.

It's not for everyone though. There are some people that move past trauma better by focusing on building from that point forward. I think the reason it helps me is that much of what happened did so in secret for many years. Finally being able to not be alone in it is a huge help.