Given the content of social work writing, and the potential consequences for people’s lives, it is not surprising that writing is an emotive activity, that is, generating all sorts of feelings (e.g. anger, upset, sadness, frustration). Such emotions can surface even when you are engaging in what is often to be considered ‘routine’ writing, for example a brief case note or email. Take a moment to reflect on any writing that you have found emotionally challenging. Note down any factors that you think contributed to that particular piece of writing being an emotive activity for you. Try and think about factors other than the content of the writing.