Why Journal?

Over hundreds of years of therapy, changes in interventions & techniques, new “groundbreaking” training opportunities, and different versions of how to engage in therapy services, journaling has remained.

Trust me, I have gone through phases where I have been for & against journaling. The times I have been against are usually the times I need it most.

Sound familiar?

But why should I journal? What’s the point.

I figure it out eventually.

I work through scenarios in my head much easier/faster.

I hear you.

So…what IS the point? I explain journaling to my clients like this:

Ok, let’s imagine you have a thought. Your brain works fast. You think of one thing, then in comes another. That triggers something else. Sure, you’re processing, but is it organized? Why do you suddenly feel jumbled up?

Here you are. You’re now in the start of a tornado.

So, why write things down instead of relying on your mind to remember, process, and sort through? It’s just too hard to do it on your own. This is why people go to therapy. Journaling can be your own personal therapy session with yourself outside of those therapy hours.

Writing things down slows you down. Writing things down allows you to process in a concrete, clear way. Writing things down helps you revisit and reflect upon later, providing you an opportunity to see things from a different perspective.

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In a pinch, use your phone. However, pen-to-paper is the most recommended from my point-of-view. I encourage my clients to take notes during the week when they’re that pinch. Then, we can revisit those thoughts together in session. That’s when we start to remove judgment from your journaling.

You’re not crazy.

It’s not stupid.

You are valid.

You’re doing all the things on your own 80% of the week. I am asking, during our 20%, to be invited into the process and assist you. To help encourage and grow your skills so you have the confidence to do it on your own.

Journaling sounds lame and corny. But…journaling is powerful.
Let’s look at your hesitation. Why do you still not want to try? Are you afraid it might work? Feeling insecure about reading your writing? Might open a door that we can’t quickly close? Maybe discover something new about ourselves?

Reach out, let’s figure out how to open & close that door safely, comfortably, and together. Let’s learn how to become nonjudgmental of ourselves.