I’ve practiced journal writing pretty regularly it’s fair to say since around 2002 when I first had some therapy. People can have a misconception that it can be something that needs to be kept or about something in particular.

However, journal writing as a therapeutic practice is purely just about daily connection. It’s just about a stream of consciousness coming out. It’s rather like a meditative/mindfulness practice. It’s a way of validating this is me now and where I’m at and how I’m feeling. It may start something like……. feeling pretty good right now. Looking forward to seeing x later today. Got a bit annoyed with that person yesterday but feel handles okay on the whole but will be careful around him / her in future.. etc etc

In therapy we always work on accepting wherever the client may be at and journal writing gives an extension of this. It’s not saying I’m right but that feelings are just feelings and by letting them come up and accepting them they become more constructive. Often people get clogged up with their feelings. People are often resentful in therapy.

The more we can learn to validate that this is me now and this is how I am feeling right now the more we will be able to let go and grow and heal.

A book called ‘The Artists way’ by Julia Cameron really brought this idea more to light. The author here thought journal writing was an integral to bring forth our more natural artistic/creative selves. Julia Cameron says about doing it first thing in the morning for 20 minutes.

With some clients I have worked with who are experiencing different turmoil I recommend doing it as a morning activity to be able to clear and get a handle on the day then also in the evening to have a kind of reflective review on the day. This can help (often with the aid of therapy too) to get a good handle going on our new emerging more authentic sense of self.

Thesedays I practice journal writing at points throughout the day. I do want to get back as a disciplined 20 minutes per day. I noticed in the last few days how I lost my balance a bit and writing like this in a quiet space really helps me to clear up and get back to balance and get organised again.

It’s fair to call journal writing a shadow practice. Shadow practice is an essential part of anyone’s life to live a life of authenticity and integrity. Often in therapy people are repressing feelings and things they would rather avoid. Therapy as the shadow practice helps to shine a light on this in the safety of the therapy room. Journal writing can then provide a great extension to know that feelings are just feelings and are all okay as long as we are examining them honestly. Then with kindness and compassion we are able to see how we can take them forward and work with them to live with greater fulfillment and joy.