Journal Writing to Aid the Therapeutic Process

Journal Writing CE Courses

Using journal writing as an aid to the therapeutic process is not an unfamiliar idea. Keeping a journal has been practiced by patients of cognitive therapists in an attempt to help identify and correct negative thought patterns, by Jungians to record dreams, and in the Japanese Morita therapy for the treatment of neurosis; Sigmund Freud professed his belief in the diary as “a key to the psyche” in his preface to Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl (Rainer, 1978).

One of the most well-reputed journal therapists is Ira Progoff, a psychotherapist trained in Jungian analysis and depth psychology, who developed the concept of “The Intensive Journal,” a complete, specific journaling format to be used in working toward the goal of bringing depth to the inner self (Progoff, 1992).

In 1990, James W. Pennebaker, professor of psychology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, published “Opening Up: The Healing Power of Confiding in Others.” Pennebaker describes carefully controlled experiments and ten years of scientific research that caused him to conclude, “writing can be an avenue to that interior place where . . . we can confront traumas and put them to rest – and heal both body and mind.”

Dr. Edward J. Murray (1991), professor of psychology at the University Miami, claimed that although he initially questioned Pennebaker’s findings, his own later findings proved that “writing seems to produce as much therapeutic benefit as sessions with a psychotherapist.”

Writing it Out: Journaling as an Adjunct to Therapy is a 2-hour online continuing education course that provides a brief monograph on the use of journal writing as an aid to the therapeutic process. While most psychotherapy is conducted through traditional “talking therapy,” having a client express himself through the written word offers another way to let him vent his thoughts and feelings, and to gain information about his internal and external experiences of life. This course includes descriptions of the various uses of journaling as well as detail on seven journal-writing techniques. 2003 | 21 pages | 12 posttest questions | Course #20-13 | http://www.pdresources.org/CourseDetail.aspx?Category=All...

Writing in a journal can be an effective aid to traditional psychotherapy. It allows clients to vent and explore their personal thoughts and feelings even when the therapist is not available. The process of writing helps to bring obscure or overwhelming abstract concepts into concrete form, thereby making them more manageable and empowering the writer. Writing can act as a soothing behavior, a safe place to express affect, and a vehicle for tapping unconscious material, fostering the development of self-awareness. When used in a more structured form, such as a behavior log, writing can help to interrupt unwanted behaviors and provide insight into behavior patterns.

Journaling II: Directed Exercises in Journaling is the follow-up course to Writing it Out. This is a 4-hour continuing education course designed for the practitioner who would like to use journal-writing exercises with clients as an adjunct to traditional psychotherapy, and would like some topic ideas to suggest, rather than limiting writing only to the technique of “freewriting.” It is suggested, although not mandatory, that the practitioner has already completed the course, “Writing It Out: Journaling as an Adjunct to Therapy.” That course lays the basic foundation for understanding the benefits of journaling and how it can best be used with clients. It also teaches a number of basic writing techniques. Journaling II presents a brief overview of “freewriting,” as well as 36 directed exercises divided into three phases. It also offers interpretive questions coordinating with each exercise and an explanation of the use of a behavior log as a journaling exercise. 2005 | 41 pages | 20 posttest questions | Course #40-03 | http://www.pdresources.org/CourseDetail.aspx?Category=All...

About the Author:

Lisa M. Schab, MSW, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice in Libertyville, Illinois. A graduate of Loyola University School of Social Work, Ms. Schab has specialized in anxiety and depression, blended families, and the treatment and prevention of eating problems and disorders. She has presented a number of professional training seminars on the use of journaling and is the author of several books, among them Writing it Out: Self Awareness and Self-Help through Journaling (Wainsley Press, 1996).

Professional Development Resources is recognized as a provider of continuing education by the following:

AOTA: American Occupational Therapy Association (#3159)
APA: American Psychological Association
ASWB: Association of Social Work Boards (#1046)
CDR: Commission on Dietetic Registration (#PR001)
NBCC: National Board for Certified Counselors (#5590)
NAADAC: National Association of Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselors (#00279)
California: Board of Behavioral Sciences (#PCE1625)
Florida: Boards of SW, MFT & MHC (#BAP346); Psychology & School Psychology (#50-1635); Dietetics & Nutrition (#50-1635); Occupational Therapy Practice (#34). PDResources is CE Broker compliant.
Illinois: DPR for Social Work (#159-00531)
Ohio: Counselor, Social Worker & MFT Board (#RCST100501)
South Carolina: Board of Professional Counselors & MFTs (#193)
Texas: Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists (#114) and Board of Social Worker Examiners (#5678)

http://www.pdresources.org/Index.aspx

Success Strategies by Michelle Gines

If you’re serious about creating lasting and significant change in your world – as opposed to merely thinking and talking about it for another year – there are a few things you might want to do in order to help make those intentions a reality…

1. Know what success is. If you don’t know what success is (for you), how can you possibly create it? Success is different things for different people, and one person’s success (a pregnancy for example) might be another person’s catastrophe. That’s because success (or failure) is not so much about the situation, circumstance or outcome as it is about what that “thing” means to the person in the middle of it. In order to create success, you must first define it – and far too many people haven’t. Be very clear about what you want and don’t want for your life. Clarity produces excitement. Excitement produces momentum. Momentum produces behavioral change. Behavioral change produces different results and eventually, the internal vision becomes an external reality.

2. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Some people will live a life of second-best, of compromise and under-achievement simply because they are (1) controlled by fear (2) always looking for the magic pill or shortcut, and (3) not prepared to do the tough stuff. People who always take the easy option are destined for mediocrity. At best. Constantly avoiding the discomfort means constantly avoiding the lessons and the personal growth. Pain is a great teacher. Not always what we want, but sometimes what we need.

3. Seek to be righteous, not right. The need to be “right” speaks of arrogance, insecurity, ego and stupidity. It’s also synonymous with failure. The person who constantly needs to be right will miss out on much of what life has to teach him and alienate himself from others. Arrogance repels, humility attracts.

4. Use more of what you already have. Imagine what you could achieve if you took all the knowledge, intelligence, opportunities, time, skill and talent that you currently have and absolutely milked it. What if you already have more than enough talent to become wildly successful? Well, you do. There go the excuses. And that voice that’s telling (some of) you right now that you don’t have what it takes to become successful, that’s called fear. Not logic, fear. Not reality, fear. Unless of course, you allow that to become your reality. Be mindful that the voice in your head (the very loud, annoying and persistent one) is rarely a reflection of your potential and mostly a manifestation of your insecurity.  And no, you’re not alone in your self-doubt; it’s a universal condition. Many people fail, not because they don’t have what it takes, but because they don’t use what they already have. Successful people typically don’t have more innate potential, luck, time or opportunity than the next person, but they consistently find a way to use much more of what they have at their disposal. While the majority are rationalizing their lack of decision making and action taking, these guys are finding a way to get the job done. The question is not “how much ability do you have, but how much will you use?”.

Success is your if you put forth the effort, develop the mindset and get started!

To Your Success,
Michelle Gines

Purpose Publishing
www.purposepublishing.com
Email: michelle_gines@yahoo.com
Facebook.com/ michelle gines

Publicist Stephanie Barko Introduces us to a New Book Marketing App

Today there’s an easier way to create your author platform. Thanks to publicist Stephanie Barko and her development team, we can now say “there’s an app for that”.

 Book Platform Defined: A book platform documents a forum and following for a book in its first year of life. It’s a marketing plan that shows where a book’s readers are coming from, a useful device for attracting literary agents and publishers who accept direct submissions.

DIY Book Platform is a web-based app that guides authors of multiple genres & publishing tracks to create a unique platform for their upcoming release. Sections in the app include market analysis, reviews, audience, media, social networking, events, and competitions. Each section is color coded to help users keep their place as they navigate through the tool, answering multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank questions. Most questions include notes to help the author understand publishing terminology and book marketing concepts.

At the end of the app, the user saves and prints out their book platform, which they can then use to help attract an agent or acquire a publisher. Authors intending to do their own book marketing can execute the platform themselves.

 DIY Book Platform was a year and a half in the making and especially crafted for debut authors. It was the brainchild of a book publicist seeking a way to help writers who could not afford her services. The user interface is patterned after Oprah’s new website.

A 45-day pass is available from the DIY Book Platform web or mobile site for $99. Follow DIY Book Platform Follow the app at:
 http://www.twitter.com/DIYBookPlatform
http://www.facebook.com/DIYBookPlatform
https://www.linkedin.com/company/diy-book-platform
https://www.pinterest.com/StephanieBarko/diy-book-platform

For Further Information www.DIYBookPlatform.com email: customercare@DIYBookPlatform.com

The Cleanse at Angel Farms

This Cleanse helps your body catch up to your consciousness. Angel Farms offers you the Cleanse and transformational Process you have been looking for all your life! At Angel Farms, we have combined many age old processes and techniques to offer you one of the most comprehensive and amazing Premiere Cleanses there is in the world. Due to Cindy Mahealani Sellers  extensive experience, this Program is like none other in the world!


When I came here there was a little voice in my head everyday saying “You’re dying,” and it was right!! I was! WAS. And now I’m not! I hated myself so bad and was in sooo much pain that Death seemed like it would be relief. I know for a fact that shit had a a hold of my brain, my decisions in everything what I ate, what I did, and when I did it. I can honestly say I have NEVER felt this good. The big relief came the first day and it got better and better everyday. I can’t believe it. I love everyone and everything now especially myself, and God and you!! Mahalo Nui. — Mateo, 46, Tree Climber

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“I am now in a place of knowing in regards to how much body and spirit are one. As someone who has been more focused  on spirit it is powerful to have my body be more in my field of attention. I am now much more dedicated to devoting loving care to all of it. True integration.  I feel a lot lighter and clearer inside. On day 9 I experienced quite a bit of emotional intensity and I liked having the feeling that all of that is just part of the Cleanse process and I wasn’t doing anything wrong. It was more energy that was on its way out. Trusting the process is amazing! Trust provides useful context. Before my Cleanse I somehow felt that judgment and thinking a lot was just part of life. Now I feel that I can be much more at choice about all of that. Flowing from love is more natural and feels so much better.  This Cleanse is the real deal. I was very impressed by how thorough and comprehensive it was. Many many different bases are covered. It is a launch into a whole new way of living.  My session with Larry was powerful. I got some strong references of what it is like to be deeply, deeply relaxed. He also helped me get the power of slowing down and being more present in the moment. I also got much more range in the movement of my neck. After my session with Cindy I had the thought that “This is the crown jewel of my Cleanse experience.” I enjoyed the opportunity to tune into and deeply feel the unique gifts my parents gave me. This was a powerful experience of the ever present reality of love and light!” — Bruce, 62, Breakthrough Coach

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“I came here with a lot of stress and anxiety. I’ve gained some peace and know that my only purpose is to love. As a graduate, I encourage any and all grads to return sooner rather that later. It’s worth it. Part of my journey was having a hip replacement but now I know I’ll never have to do that again. We’re getting all of those buggers out of there! YEAH. The Cleanse has transformed me on all levels. You learn to be in the moment and love your whole life and everyone in it.  The transformative process is awesome.  My session with Larry helped open me to trust my visions, which before I doubted. I was full of anxiety that day and I left with a very light and fun heart.  Cindy’s session was so beautiful and full of Angelic (of course) energy. She helped me see that my journey was not to be judged, but honored as a work of the creator. My only purpose is to LOVE.” — Marissa, 70,  Retired

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Messaging for Money by Kris Keppler

Today is #FreelanceIsntFree day.  I’m lucky.   I usually get paid for my freelancing work.  I do get most of the work through freelancing sites which generally assure you get paid.   I also find jobs outside of those sites and once I spent over a year chasing down $30 from a client.  I managed to collect in about 15 months, which totally surprised me.  My first foray into collecting payment for my voice over work paid off.

Voice over is a different way to get paid.  There are many weirder ways.   I searched on “funny ways to make money” and “funny ways to get paid” on Google.  Selling your bits, like your hair or plasma, will net you baubles at Wal-Mart.  Unless you have extremely soft, luxurious, virgin locks and those will net you an entire designer outfit.

There are smart phone apps which pay you for shopping.  I fail to see the advantages of this, unless you’re being rewarded for buying cheap stuff.  You can tell I’m not a shopping addict, can’t you?  Other apps pay you for gathering marketing or inventory information.    Still seems like spending money to make money to me.

You can RentAFriend.com.  I’m not kidding; there is a site where you sell your companionship.    Its legit, platonic purposes only and there are pictures of your possible friends.   If your renter has some bucks, and lots of time, those designer shoes are looking possible.

The winner, in my book, of the most unusual way to make money is sending text messages.  Yes, as a ChaCha guide with a hankering for knowing how to remove cats from dryer hoses and fast fingers, you can cover your grocery bill for a week.

A Surprising Lesson from Downton Abbey

 

From the very first episode, I was hooked.

I loved the sets, the costumes and the characters. It made me laugh out loud, it even made me cry. I remember when I got hold of the entire first series on a disc. I sat down one evening to watch a single episode, it was already late and I had a some meetings the following day, but I reckoned one episode would do no harm. Five hours later, and 3 in the morning, I dragged myself from the couch and reluctantly when to bed. I was totally hooked. The following few nights, despite myself, I worked through the rest of the first series and then the second and third.  I just loved it!

And I wondered what was the magic.

Now, like I mentioned already, it’s a very high quality production. And the characters really are well developed. But in truth it’s more than that.

You see we love to get drawn into an imaginary world, we love to get emotionally moved and involved with a fictional existence. It’s human nature. In truth we just love to feel and whether it’s fiction or fact, we crave those emotions, we are reminded of how we feel about places and people. These emotions bring us home to ourselves, actually the story brings us home.

And why is this important for our business?

Well, if your business tells a good story and you learn to use great stories, then you too can get your clients hooked; remind them of the places, people and things that are important in their lives, you get to bring them home.

You see, the job of the storyteller is to take your listener on a great story, an adventure to a faraway place, where anything can happen, where there is great possibility. And the more important job of the storyteller is to bring them home safely.

Here’s what happens when you use storytelling in your business.

When you talk about what you do, you create amazing possibility about the impact of your work (program or service). You describe a world where your client can have exactly what they want (could be happiness, great relationships, end of pain…you fill in the blank). When you tell a good story, that world feels possible.

And then you get to bring them home safely. That means that you describe the story of where they are now and how they can begin the journey (hopefully with you) to achieving all they want to achieve. They get to be ‘at home’ in the reality of their situation, but inspired to take the journey to their desires.

It’s incredibly powerful. When you tell a powerful story, your client will be magnetized. And they’ll be hooked.

So, think about it. Are you telling a story in your business?

What magic can you create as you describe how you can support your client.

Where do you need a more powerful story?

Leave a comment here:
http://story-coach.com/a-surprising-lesson-from-downton-abbey/

And I’m off to watch an episode of Downton Abbey... just one!

Lisa Bloom, founder of Story Coach, supports organizations, entrepreneurs & coaches to use storytelling as a powerful approach to impact their clients and grow their business. She is a professional Storyteller & Speaker, accredited Coach, Author, Mentor and Leadership expert. Lisa is the author of the Amazon best-seller "Cinderella and the Coach-the Power of Storytelling for Coaching Success!" and the creator of the Business Story Mastery & Certified Story Coach Programs. She is delighted to offer you the FREE ebook "Using Stories to Get Great Clients" at http://www.story-coach.com 
 

Press Release Based Marketing Revealed

Julia Widdop will be guiding eight lucky participants of her workshop, Press Release Based Marketing Revealed, through the process of writing, designing and effectively using a press release as a powerful social media marketing tool. Learn how to use your press release with twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and many other social media platforms.

This class is offered once per month and is limited to eight participants to provide personalized instruction.  You will be shown not only how to write the most effective release, but how to insure the widest distribution and most versatile design for your press release. Upon registration at the Talk Story Media website you will be sent advance instruction to complete ahead of the workshop.

Talk Story Media produces radio and TV shows and webinars featuring writers, artists and healers. For promotional opportunities and access to educational marketing webinars subscribe to Talk Story Radio chooses guests from subscriber profiles at: TalkStory.Media.