Journal Writing and Art Therapy 1 Journal Writing

Journal Writing and Art Therapy 1

Journal Writing • Benefits of writing in a journal • Journal writing tips • Techniques for journaling 2

Benefits of Journal Writing • • Release of emotions ‘Writing meditation’ Self-awareness Ownership of feelings Honesty with self Demonstrates growth Reflecting about the past 3

Physical Benefits of Journaling • Decreased physician visits • Decreased absenteeism at work • Improved general health • Improved perceived health • Immune functioning related to emotional expression 4

9 Components of Journaling • • • Self-awareness Self-improvement Privacy Clear thinking Stress Relief • Memory building and learning from past experiences • View emotions from a distance • Enhances friendship • Therapeutic effects 5

Journal Writing Tips • • • Confidentiality Relax Try different techniques Location Let thoughts flow 6

Techniques For Journaling • • • The Buzan style Dream journal Unsent letters Third person ‘The Child Within’ • • • Dialogues Prompts Lists Autobiography Free-form 7

Art Therapy 8

Art therapy is based on the belief that the creative process involved in the making of art is healing and life-enhancing. ---American Art Therapy Association 9

Benefits of Art Therapy • • Self-awareness Expression of emotions Use of a visual language Utilize creative potential 10

Uses and Applications • Health, Illness and Disease – Creativity and making sense of illness – Strengthens positive feelings and alleviates distress – Illuminates insights gained through coping with illness 11

Uses and Applications • Depression • Children and adolescents • Individuals with impaired speech • Body image & eating disorders • The elderly • People who are dying • Adults • Increased self-awareness 12

Types of Media Used • • • All types of art supplies Thematic art Free-expression Interpretation of symbols Use of color 13