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Why Is Journaling a Useful Tool in Trauma Recovery?

When it comes to healing trauma, it’s important to find tools and methods that allow you to develop a deep connection with yourself. Journaling is one such tool that can help you process thoughts, emotions, and memories.

There is no “one size fits all” approach to healing trauma. With journaling, there are many different methods to explore, and you can find one that suits you best on your journey.

Benefits of Journaling in Trauma Recovery

According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), journaling is a therapeutic practice that “allows us to sort through events that have occurred and problems that we may be struggling with.” Through journaling, you can develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your traumas.

There is also a huge benefit in bringing negative thoughts and feelings to the surface. The VA states that journaling will allow you to go through an “internal process of using the written word to express the full range of emotions, reactions, and perceptions we have related to difficult, upsetting, or traumatic life events.”

Create Your Own Routine

A special way to honor yourself is to take time out of your day to prioritize your healing and recovery. Creating a journaling routine is a great tool to help you connect with yourself.

Trauma can often lead to unhealthy habits and routines, even drug addiction. According to NIH News In Health, one way to actively kick a bad habit is to “actively replace unhealthy routines with new, healthy ones.” If you commit yourself to just a few minutes each day for your journaling practice, you will begin to create a healthy new habit in your life.

Journaling Methods for Trauma Recovery

The beautiful thing about journaling is that there are a wide variety of methods you can choose from. This allows you to find a method that works best for you and your unique experiences.

Freestyle

A great way to start a practice is with freestyle journaling. This method allows you to open your journal, put pen to paper, and see what comes out. Write down anything you think. You may be surprised by what comes through for you as you begin this activity.

Forgiveness and Release Work

Another powerful journaling practice is through forgiveness and release work. Forgiveness allows you to release any guilt or shame you may feel. Release work can also include any other negative thoughts or traumatic experiences that are taking up space in your mind. You may want to think about the experiences you’d like to let go of and write them out in your journal.

Other Journaling Practices

Some other journaling methods that you can use include gratitude lists, an exercise where you write about your ideal day. Journaling doesn’t always have to be about negative memories or trauma. You can also use this tool to write about your goals, hopes, and dreams for the future.

No matter what practice you decide to use, always remember that your healing and recovery journey is all about you. It’s important to honor yourself and choose the methods that work best for you.

Journaling can be an extremely therapeutic tool to help you through trauma recovery. At The Guest House, we incorporate a wide variety of healing modalities to help you get to the root of your trauma as you heal your mind, body, and soul. Since there is no “one size fits all” solution to trauma recovery, we offer many different programs and methods that will help you find what works best for you. For more information, call us at (855) 483-7800.