I occasionally think genuine catharsis suggests "catharsis *versus* writing" is more accurate.
Isn't genuine catharsis a purging?
Doesn't writing require revisiting, mulling, dwelling upon while trying to find the right words, etc. - i.e. the opposite of purging?
If catharsis is a purging, implying zero thoughts on a topic, how could having lots and lots of thoughts on a topic constitute catharsis?
Just typing out loud, here....