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Journal WritingJournal Writing and and

Art TherapyArt Therapy

Journal WritingJournal Writing and and

Art TherapyArt Therapy

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

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Benefits of Journal Writing

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

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Physical Benefits of Journaling

• Decreased physician visits• Decreased absenteeism at work

• Improved general health• Improved perceived health

• Immune functioning related to emotional expression

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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

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Journal Writing Tips

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

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Techniques For Journaling

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

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

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Art Therapy

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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

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Benefits of Art Therapy• Self-awareness• Expression of

emotions• Use of a visual

language• Utilize creative

potential

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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

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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

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