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
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

6
Journal Writing Tips

• Confidentiality
• Relax
• Try different techniques
• Location
• Let thoughts flow

7
Techniques For Journaling

• The Buzan style
• Dream journal
• Unsent letters
• Third person
• The Child Within

• Dialogues
• Prompts
• Lists
• Autobiography
• Free-form

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