You know journalling is supposed to be good for you. But every time you try, something stops you. The blank page. The feeling that you're doing it wrong. The habit that never quite takes hold.
This session changes that.
In two guided hours, you'll learn what journalling really is, why it works, and try four techniques that show you it doesn't have to be complicated, daily, or perfect.
In this session, you'll:
- Discover the different types of journalling and find the ones that suit you
- Understand the science behind why writing works with evidence you can trust
- Try four guided activities, including a writing sprint, the visual exercise, gratitude journalling, and reflective writing
- Learn how to build a simple ritual that fits your life
- Leave with a list of resources to keep exploring
The science behind it
Psychologist James Pennebaker has spent decades researching what happens when we write honestly about our lives. His findings show that just 15–20 minutes of expressive writing, done over a few days, produces measurable improvements in mental and physical health.
A 2022 meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Clinical Psychology, drawing on 31 randomised studies and over 4,000 participants, found that expressive writing produced a significant reduction in depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms – and the benefits tend to build over time rather than appearing overnight.
What you'll take away
- Clarity about what journalling is and how to use it
- A small set of techniques you've already tried
- And the confidence to open a blank page without freezing
Who this session is for
Complete beginners. People who've tried before and stopped. Anyone who wants a proper, guided introduction rather than a YouTube rabbit hole. No prior writing experience needed.
What to bring
A notebook and pen, or your laptop if you prefer to type.
About Anna
Anna Woolliscroft holds a Merit-level MA in Creative Writing and Wellbeing and is a certified Journal to the Self® Instructor. She's been facilitating journalling sessions since 2023, journalling most of her life, and her circles and workshops have welcomed women at all stages of life – including people who arrived certain they couldn't journal and left booking their next session within the hour!
📍£24 | Online via Zoom | Monday 3 August | 9 am
