When your thoughts are jumbled, your pulse is racing, or you’re feeling down, pull out a piece of paper and just start writing. Journaling is no replacement for therapy, but it can be a great tool in helping unveil hidden feelings or simply flushing words out of your mind.
No Excuses
There is no right or wrong way to journal. Whether you scribble random words or write paragraphs, journaling can be very therapeutic as your thoughts unravel. For many starting with words that come to mind is a good start. once you find comfort with just random words, sentences will begin to flow. If you’re struggling to get started, consider these prompts:
- Describe how you’re feeling.
- List at least one thing to be grateful for.
- Identify a personal or material goal you have.
- Write about coping mechanisms you use.
- Paint a word picture of yourself as a stranger would see you.
As you and your counselor work together, they may give you some prompts. They will get you started with a topic that relate specifically to your circumstances.
How to Journal
The goal of journaling is to help you feel better and to potentially uncover reasons for particular feelings you didn’t know existed. To begin, try setting a timer for 10 or 15 minutes. Write down everything that comes to mind whether you think it makes sense or not. Don’t go back and reread anything. Leave it original. Spelling and grammar are irrelevant. Don’t worry about how it looks. Just write. When the timer goes off, then go back and look over what you wrote. Keep a notebook close by so you can journal daily. This can be a great way to identify triggers that lead to certain feelings or behaviors.
We Can Help
Garrett Counseling has three convenient locations in Albertville / Boaz, Huntsville, and Jacksonville to accommodate you. With decades of combined experience, our counselors are prepared to guide you through therapy and get to the core of the issues you’re facing. Call us today at (256) 239-5662 or contact us online by clicking here.