This kind of therapy uses reflective writing enabling the writer to gain mental and emotional clarity, validate experiences and come to a deeper understanding of themself.
The intensive journal method is a structured way of writing about nature that allows the writer to achieve spiritual and personal growth.
Some of these subsections include topics like career, dreams, body and health, interests, events and meaning in life.
In the 1990s, James W. Pennebaker published multiple studies which affirmed that writing about emotional problems or traumas led to both physical and mental health benefits.
Other therapeutic effects of journal therapy include the expression of feelings, which can lead to greater self-awareness and acceptance and can in turn allow the writer to create a relationship with his or herself.
This environment should contain features or elements that can make the writer feel good such as music, candles, a hot drink etc.
This environment works to empower the writer and to associate good feelings with journal writing.