Journal Writing and Art Therapy

1. Journal Writing and Art Therapy

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

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

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

5. 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 9 Components of Journaling

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

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

8. Art Therapy

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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

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