Hey Dan, welcome to Songstuff
I have plenty of opinions about Songwriting, though I am always open minded to learn and happy to change opinions with new information when a change of mind is warranted.
A case of song writer, heal thyself? It's something I have deliberately used during emotional crisis of varying kinds, though I am far more aware of the psychology of a song relating to listeners rather than the writer. Likewise, although I have used the song writing process to my own benefit it's been a natural go to place for me rather than an informed exercise, as much an oppertunity to vent as anything else. Many of the more indulgent songs have never seen the light of day, that wasn't why I wrote them, and I didn't want to feel any inhibition that the notion of presenting the result to others my have placed upon those songs. Some have made it through to finished, publicly presented songs, but in those times of crisis it was not the aim, just something I might consider retrospectively.
Anyway, I will be happy to take a part in discussing this. A very worthwhile topic. Better to do in the songwriting discussion board rather than the introduction board so I'll leave it there for now. Who knows if it proves to be a topic with a lot of interest, perhaps you would be interested in starting and running your own group (comes with home pages and up to 5 forums, plus group communications.) Just an idea for future consideration.
Anyway, good to have you aboard.
Cheers
John