THE JOURNAL
                   Therapeutic Benefits of Writing


My writing is a conscious letter to myself. It's a way for me to hold
on to pieces as I grow and change and get on with my life."

Writing about negative experiences has definite beneIqts, especially
for people who have trouble talking about their feelings. It may be
anything from a childhood fight with a sister to being fired from a
job. But getting your emotions down on paper. whether in a journal
or in a letter, can help you come to terms with feelings and resolve
them.

Writing can also help a person deal with a traumatic event, such as
divorce or child abuse. However, since situations like these can
obviously leave a person with deep emotional problems, you may
want to seek professional counseling as well. Confronting painful
events realistically can help us understand them.

Journaling is voluntary; it is not graded or judged. It is an added
opportunity to spell out ideas, beliefs, attitudes, feelings, in whatever
style suits you. It is descriptive and explicit; it is spontaneous and
honest. It encourages self-awareness and self discovery. It
establishes a sense of competence in being able to discipline and
reveal oneself, which is ego-enhancing. It traces growth and
changes in thoughts, attitudes and behaviors.

Many clients journal throughout therapy. One would like to share
an entry with you that evolved from her journaling. This is the 46th
psalm she has written.

              c - 1989 Jeanne M. Harper   
                       PO Box 735
                   Marinette, WI 54143  
                     715 / 735 - 9549

              


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                      Cendra (ken'dra) Lynn, Ph.D.

   Rivendell Resources                    griefnet@rivendell.org
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