Guided journals can be a super helpful tool when it comes to therapy. You can use guided journals during sessions, as homework between sessions, and to supplement the work you are doing with your clients. The list below includes my favorite guided journals to use in therapy.
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NOTE: I share some helpful info about guided journals and journal therapy directly below, but click here if you want to jump right to the list.
What is a Guided Journal?
A guided journal is essentially an exploratory journal filled with prompts that help guide you toward growth, insight, and self-reflection. Guided journals tap into the benefits of journal therapy by targeting specific areas with questions and activities that allow you to sort through your feelings and thoughts on certain topics.
There are all kinds of guided journals on the market and they cover a broad range of concentrations. Guided journals can focus on things like:
- Self-Care
- Trauma
- Grief
- Overall Wellness
- Self-Discovery
- Mindfulness
- Emotional Healing
- Mental Health Issues
- Memoir & Keepsake
- Meditation
Why Use a Guided Journal
There are lots of benefits to journaling in general, and more specifically, journal therapy. And because guided journals fall under the journal therapy umbrella, they offer the same benefits.
Research on Journaling
Research has shown that journaling and expressive writing can aid in improved mental health and cognitive functioning. A 2013 study found that participants diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) who journaled every day reported less depressive symptoms.
Another study from 2012 found that students who used reflective journaling experienced improvement in the areas of self-awareness, critical analysis, and development of new perspectives.
Benefits of Guided Journals
Here are a few benefits that you might enjoy when using guided journals:
- Stress Reduction
- Improved Self-Esteem
- Reduced Anxiety
- Improved Physical Health
- Increased Self-Awareness
- Increased Mindfulness
- Improved Cognitive Functioning
- Less Intrusive Thoughts
- Improved Mood
- Clearer Goal-Setting
- Better Progress Tracking
- Visual/Written Record of Therapeutic Work
- Catalog of Lessons Learned in Therapy
How to Use Guided Journals in Therapy
According to Goodtherapy.org, “Journal therapy allows a person to write down, dialogue with, and analyze their issues and concerns. Therapeutic journal writing and journal therapy use writing prompts and exercises to support the work of therapy. The practice allows people to be reflective, introspective, and intentional about their writing.”
In contrast to traditional journals, guided journals offer a bit of structure that can really promote creative exploration and clarity. The prompt and activity format make guided journals a perfect complement to therapy.
By using guided journals, therapists and clients and focus on specific areas of growth. Therapists can assign a set of pages for homework and clients can use the prompts to guide them in their exploratory writing and/or art-making.
Issues Treated Using Journal Therapy
For decades, mental health professionals have understood the power of therapeutic journaling. And for most people, journaling can be extremely beneficial. There are a few mental health issues that don’t respond well to journal therapy, however. That is why it’s best to include guided journals in your practice with the support of a therapist.
But in general, there are a number of mental health issues for which journal therapy can be helpful. Here are a few:
- Posttraumatic stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief & Loss
- Postpartum-Related Mental Health Issues
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Relational Conflict
- Low Self-Esteem
Types of Therapy that Use Guided Journals
While guided journals can work well with a number of therapy modalities, there are a few that seem to fit best. Here are a few types of therapy that use guided journals really well in treatment:
- Art Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Person-Centered Therapy
- Couples Therapy
- Expressive Arts Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
Examples of Guided Journal Prompts
Because there’s such a wide variety of guided journals on the market, the types of journal prompts you might see are endless. But here are a few straightforward examples:
- Write a Letter to Your 10 Year Old Self
- Draw What it Feels Like When You are Really Anxious
- Create a Word Map of Your Current State of Mind
- Set a Timer for 5 Minutes and Write About Your Childhood
- Finish This Sentence: When I’m at My Best, I am….
- List Your Favorite Self-Care Activities
- Draw Your Wall
- Create a Collage That Represents Your Future Goals
- Write Out the Dialogue for a Difficult Conversation You are Dreading
9 Best Guided Journals for Therapy
There are a TON of guided journals on the market.
A lot of people understand the benefits of journal therapy, and therefore lots of businesses want to put products out there to serve that population. But the problem is, just because you have the means to create a guided journal, doesn’t mean you are equipped to create a good one.
That’s why, whether you are a therapist or someone who wants to use a guided journal, it’s important that you do you homework.
Finding guided journals that meet your specific needs can be tricky, but this list has you covered.
Why These Guided Journals are the Best
The guided journals in this collection were created by experienced folx who know what they are doing. Many of the authors of the guided journals on this list are mental health professionals. They understand the kinds of journal exercises that bring value to readers. They also know what has worked well for them.
Additionally, when I curated this list, I chose guided journals that target specific issues that are frequently the focus of treatment.
Now, on to the list!
- Let That Sh*t Go
- Becoming
- Creative Healing for Pregnancy Loss
- This Year I Will…
- Promptly Journals Grief Journal
- Zen as F*ck
- Getting to Good
- Promptly Journals Self-Love Journal
- Present, Not Perfect
1. Let That Sh*t Go
By Monica Sweeney
A kick-ass way to view finding peace around unresolved issues and long-held grudges. Practical, moving, and funny exercises to get centered.
THERAPIST NOTE: Know your clients well enough to know if this journal would be a good fit. It cannot treat mental health issues. It’s also loaded with profanity. Recommend thoughtfully. ?
2. Becoming: A Guided Journal for Discovering Your Voice
By Michelle Obama
This gorgeous, highly-rated National Bestseller from former First Lady Michelle Obama features dozens of questions and prompts that serve as a guide toward telling your unique story.
3. Creative Healing for Pregnancy Loss
By Hayley Wilds, MA, LPC
This guided journal centered around processing pregnancy loss grief was written and designed by art therapist, certified grief professional, and pregnancy loss survivor, Hayley Wilds (AKA, me 😊) With over 100 thoughtfully-designed creative journal prompts, this book is an amazing supplement to therapy with clients who have experienced pregnancy loss.
Check out my post on the 4 Ways to Provide Pregnancy Loss Support if you are interested in learning more about supporting those who have experienced pregnancy loss.
4. This Year I Will…: A 52-Week Guided Journal to Achieve Your Goals
By Tiffany Louise
Licensed clinical social worker and professional coach, Tiffany Louise, created this special guided journal to help readers with goal-setting all year round.
5. Promptly Journals Grief Journal
By Natalie Norton
Author and coach, Natalie Norton, along with Promptly founder, Jayne Swallow, have created a grief workbook filled with thoughtful prompts to help guide you through your unique grief journey.
6. Zen as F*ck
By Monica Sweeney
An amazingly direct and caring guided journal for finding peace and healing and learning how to not give a sh*t. ?
THERAPIST NOTE: Know your clients well enough to know if this journal would be a good fit. It cannot treat mental health issues. It’s also loaded with profanity. Recommend thoughtfully. ?
Get more therapy book recommendations on our Therapy Books resource page.
7. Getting to Good: A Guided Journal
By Elena Welsh
Licensed clinical psychologist, Elena Welsh, designed this fabulous guided journal to help people who are struggling with feeling satisfied with life. Through creative prompts and the power of positive thinking, Dr. Welsh helps readers unlock their potential and feel good.
8. Promptly Journals Self-Love Journal
By Natalie Norton and Jayne Swallow
Author and coach, Natalie Norton, along with Promptly founder, Jayne Swallow, have created a an amazing guided journal focused on practicing self-care and nurturing self-compassion.
9. Present, Not Perfect: A Journal for Slowing Down, Letting Go, and Loving Who You Are
By Amiee Chase
Experienced writer and creative, Amiee Chase, knows how to create beautiful and thoughtful guided journals aimed at boosting self-esteem. In her Present, Not Perfect series, Amiee helps readers slow down and reconnect with their inner selves.
Also definitely check out Present, Not Perfect for Moms!
References
Coelho, S. (2021, February 24). Write It Out: 6 of the Best Guided Journals. Healthline. Retrieved December 6, 2021, from https://www.healthline.com/health/best-guided-journals
Constantinou, M., & Kuys, S. S. (2013). Physiotherapy students find guided journals useful to develop reflective thinking and practice during their first clinical placement: a qualitative study. Physiotherapy, 99(1), 49–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2011.12.002
GoodTherapy Editor Team. (2016, August 3). Journal Therapy. GoodTherapy. Retrieved December 6, 2021, from https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/journal-therapy
Krpan, K. M., Kross, E., Berman, M. G., Deldin, P. J., Askren, M. K., & Jonides, J. (2013). An everyday activity as a treatment for depression: The benefits of expressive writing for people diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders, 150(3), 1148–1151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2013.05.065
Zencare Team. (2020, September 20). Therapeutic Journaling: An Introduction & Guide to Writing for Your Mental Health. The Couch: A Therapy & Mental Wellness Blog. Retrieved December 6, 2021, from https://blog.zencare.co/therapeutic-journaling/
