WHAT IS THERAPEUTIC JOURNALING?

Therapeutic journaling (called by many names, including "expressive writing" and "positive affect journaling" {PAF}) is the process of writing down our honest thoughts and feelings about our personal experiences. (1)

WHAT ARE PROVEN HEALTH BENEFITS?

In one study, positive affect journaling (PAJ) was “was associated with decreased mental distress and increased well-being relative to baseline.” (3) in another study (Pennebaker et al.) students who had written honestly about their difficult life experiences (traumas, etc) made 43% fewer visits to the doctor afterwards than those who had written about non-emotional topics. (3)

Writing therapy is a low-cost, easily accessible, and versatile form of therapy. It can be done individually, with just a person and a pen, or guided by a mental health professional. Whatever the format, writing therapy can help the individual propel their personal growth, practice creative expression, and feel a sense of empowerment and control over their life (Adams, n.d.). (2)

WHAT IS WRITING FROM THE CORE WITH WILL?

Each class is a safe environment where students can explore writing honestly. Simply, we work to translate our own unique & personal response to life into something understandable on the page. We learn, over time, to turn our gut feelings and emotional inklings into words and phrases. Thus, what has been just a vague sensation in our body can present itself as beautiful, articulate clarity in written word. 

This allows us to heal our minds and body, and in the process we become better writers because - That which is compelling and interesting on the page is born from what is real in the human heart.

OPTION 1: PLAYFUL CLASSES

This class is designed for new students and those new to writing and journaling. Each class has two prompts. Students write but do not share their work and no comments are given.

For each “playful” class we just do a lot of writing in order to practicing getting the story out of our body and onto the page. 

These playful classes are open to the anyone interested in starting a writing practice. 

Learn to say what you need to say. It feels so good! 

OPTION 2: DEEP DIVE CLASSES

This class is designed for ongoing students who want a deeper experience. Class has inspiration, an 11-minute prompt writing experience, and the opportunity to read what you have written. Students can offer positive feedback - what we like, remembered, or what stayed with us. 

For each of Will’s “deep dive” classes, students are encouraged to delve deeply into the power and beauty of what is within them. Our goal in each class is to encourage personal and collective healing and growth through honest expression. 

These deep dive class series’ are closed groups and require prior participation in Will’s classes.

FIND OUT MORE & REGISTER FOR CLASS

Get the story out of your body and on to the page. 

It’s scientifically proven to help you heal...Plus, we have all sorts of fun in class!

RESOURCES

Information on this page is taken from the following sources:

1: VA Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation found here: 

https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTHLIBRARY/docs/Therapeutic-Journaling.pdf 

2: Writing Therapy: How to Write and Journal Therapeutically, 26 Oct 2017 by Courtney E. Ackerman, MA., Scientifically reviewed by Jo Nash, Ph.D.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6305886/ 

3: Information on the health benefits of therapeutic journaling: 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6305886/ 

(Above image by FreePik)