Journaling is perhaps one of the greatest tools that an individual can use as they work towards healing. It can be a moment of releasing all those difficult secrets and feelings of despair. It can also be an avenue of getting the toxins out onto paper and then destroying the paper; thus, leaving the person with a feeling of release and relief.

Some people prefer to journal using poetry as the method of expression. Others prefer writing and drawing in combination. Lastly, some people choose to simply write, with no regard for grammatical or punctual errors. All of these forms of journaling are excellent ways in which to process through the pain of the abuse one has endured.

My recommendation, for those that are interested, is to pick a time each day to journal. Try as best as you can to pick the same time. This way you will be able to mentally prepare yourself, since emotionally you acknowledge that you have set aside that time for nothing other than journaling. As you sit down to journal, please keep in mind that no one else is going to read it, without your permission. You may choose to use your computer to journal; however, you may also choose to write on paper. Whatever your chosen method, simply assign that time for your personal healing.

It’s important to pick a time when your environment will be at its quietest. In other words, a good time is when the children are in bed, household chores have been taken care of, and you have time to focus solely on yourself. You might want to purchase a special book to journal in. You may be of the persuasion that once you write, you destroy it. Or, you may feel that it is best to write it and save it for future reference. Either way, it is your personal choice.

Journaling is a means for us to search our inner person and commune with that person. I realize this might seem a bit silly to some; however, journaling is truly about connecting with that person within that has never had a healthy means of expression.

Once you have taking the courageous step towards journaling about your most painful and traumatizing memories, you must then decide what you will do with what you are journaling about. I recommend your seeing a therapist. Journaling often works best, I believe, when we couple it with therapy. Facing those painful memories alone can be quite difficult. However, journaling about them and then taking them into our therapist can help us to see things in a different light. It will also assure a healthy means of processing. Journaling truly is a healthy manner in which to attain our goal of healing.