Diaries may conjure up visions of middle school girls writing about crushes or anthropologists uncovering new material about a significant historical figure; however, journaling is a tool available and potentially helpful to all. Research on writing started in the 1960s has uncovering the many psychological benefits.

Therapists sometimes give journaling prompts to their clients, especially as writing can be an ideal at-home and in-between-session therapeutic activity, but anyone can access this positive coping tool at any time. Some of its primary benefits can be seen clearly through the use of specific metaphors.

When we repress material, it is stuffed inside into a dark, cramped and unforgiving container. Containers (including bodies and brains) begin to break down when there is no periodic clearance. Like a suitcase bulging with too many items, unzipping and eventual unpacking (or repacking) is a start to changing the relationship with the internal contents. There can be a softening, an exhale, an expansion that can finally occur when there is no longer an often-self-imposed restriction or holding-in expectation.

When thoughts and worries build in our mind, we can........

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