Introduction
Journaling is essential to help clients improve their self-awareness, reflection, and emotion management abilities. When working with specialists, specific journaling techniques can ensure increased client engagement and greater interest in setting up the best possible approach to resolving the disorder. An analytical analysis of two different journaling techniques can help understand the useful activities for clients in improving their morale.
Journaling Activities
Seasonal Journaling
First, it is worth considering Midori Evans’ Seasonal Journaling method, which establishes a strong connection with nature. This activity is closely related to the cycles of the Earth, which implies increased human understanding of the processes that can occur with them. After studying the details that indicate a specific method of journal activity, patients can begin to work to make internal transformations. An important aspect is that such changes must be correlated with a certain period of the year (Monk & Maisel, 2021). This causes associative thinking, which can be helpful for a person in the future to remember the path they have taken and the processes they have undertaken to improve the situation.
Journaling using reflective prose will allow clients to think more deeply about what they are thinking about and what emotions they are experiencing now. This method is more focused on analyzing one’s emotions so that people can better understand their condition in the future. A positive side effect of this method is a deepening connection with nature through inspiration from the seasons.
Inner Muse Journaling
The second approach described by Diane Hopkins is to find the inner muse in a person to build on personal thoughts and beliefs when writing entries in a diary. This method aims primarily at unlocking the inner potential that can help clients deepen their experiences and potential (Monk & Maisel, 2021). This is useful for understanding that each person has unique properties and abilities that can be better revealed through deep reflection of internal resources.
In the context of this practice, clients must gain access to inner fears that limit them from making serious decisions and delving into any personal needs. Finding a muse is essential to finding the creative potential necessary for clients to blossom as creators of something (Monk & Maisel, 2021). Inspiration is one of the key concepts that should be achieved by practicing the described approach. The ultimate goal of this strategy is to achieve creative choices with greater awareness and self-knowledge.
Relation to Course Concepts
The activities described are related to the ideas studied in the course in that they help therapists find individual approaches for each client. This key concept should be the basis for carrying out activities for the holistic recovery and elimination of mental problems. Another common element is the connection between mental and physical states, representing a holistic treatment approach (Monk & Maisel, 2021). In addition, the development of creativity can also be useful in the context of the material studied in the course.
Therapists can use these journaling techniques to achieve better results with their clients by carefully looking for specific aspects of a person’s character. This symbolizes the customer-centric approach that can be achieved using the work methods discussed (Monk & Maisel, 2021). Seasonal Journaling can be used in cases where it is necessary to restore the inner balance of clients and help them find peace of mind in the seasons. The technique of finding the inner muse can be used to unlock a person’s creative potential and improve reflexive abilities.
Journaling Prompts
- Winter: The winter sky at night is especially dark, and this color reminds me of the location of my home, which is far away.
- Spring: Holding the earth in my hand and seeing the results of the first planting, I am proud of myself because I was able to create something meaningful for myself.
- Summer: As always in the summer, it was hot on the park bench, so I wanted to leave as soon as possible.
- Fall: Pumpkins have different shapes that differ in ovals and bulges despite their colors being almost all the same. I choose the pumpkins that I like best instinctively.
- Dear Inner Muse, I want to create a book that reflects how I imagine the world. However, I’m afraid to create a drawing because it will turn out badly.
- Dear Inner Muse, the incomplete knowledge about myself keeps me from writing this book.
- Dear Inner Muse, If I hadn’t worried about others’ opinions, I would have started writing a book long ago.
The journaling activity generated pleasant feelings that could have been complemented by more interactivity with the environment. Encouraging people to do some activity will help achieve the goal of journaling.
Conclusion
Achieving goals can be mainly due to how a person tries to realize them. Working with Journaling techniques is a strong motivating factor that can contribute to the client completing these tasks learning to find landmarks that will help them achieve targets. Life guidelines are an integral part of the practice to give people the freedom to renew their goals.
Reference
Monk, L. & Maisel, E. (2021). Transformational journaling for coaches, therapists, and clients: A complete guide to the benefits of personal writing. Routledge.