Visual journaling: going deeper than words

by Barbara Ganim, Susan Fox

Most people who journal use words. But words come from the left brain, which interprets experiences through our learned beliefs and expectations. As this breakthrough book demonstrates, there is a more effective way to journal---using images. Simple drawings, crayon art, even doodles and stick figures can help anyone---even those who believe they "can't draw"---move beyond thought into deep reaches of feeling and intuitive knowing. Barbara Ganim and Susan Fox have developed their Visual Journaling technique into an acclaimed workshop. This book, beautifully illustrated with black and white and color drawings from the journals of students in their workshops, makes this enjoyable tool for personal exploration accessible to everyone. A six-week plan of exercises and interpretive activities teaches readers a lifelong practice that can reduce stress, explore conflicts, and overcome obstacles. Its simple techniques can help everyone gain access to "soul-based" inner wisdom.

Genres: Art, Journaling, Nonfiction, Self Help, Writing, Journal, Research

Paperback

First published October 1, 1999

Reviews

[Olivia Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

My soul really needed this book 🤍 I didn’t realize how powerful and healing visual journaling would be- I was constantly surprising myself with the different images I would create and the meanings that would arise from them. There are so many things that are much easier for me to express through art than through words! And it was so nice to be able to walk through the 6 weeks with someone- it felt so special and nice and lovely (thanks Nicole 🥰) Truly transformative and absolutely would recommend ✨

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful journalling workbook, designed for a 6-week exploration, with meaningful and complete and accessible activities. Includes beautiful colour photos of journals of others. I particularly liked the stress chapter, and also the storying/dialoging with images chapter.

This book resulted in my starting a new shelf "wish list" as I am thinking I might want to purchase this book- a 3 week library check-out did not do it justice, and some of the resulting work was so powerful that I realized I needed a bit more time to process where I was going.

Highly recommended.

[Pewterbreath · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot deny that this book is a little flaky but it also worked for me to get in touch with myself--a task which I find particularly difficult at times. I would prefer more activities and less examples though.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took a visual journaling workshop. This is one of the books that were recommended. Very good.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing journey! Don't miss it.

[Peaches · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're looking for a beginning point/opening into this practice, this one is decent. It provides some background and reasons why it is useful, including what it does to the sides of the brain, then spends a great deal giving prompts, exercises, and examples.

I could never give a book 5 stars that doesn't use an Oxford comma, but aside from that glaring issue, these authors just don't cite their research well. Especially when discussing the brain functions, they don't directly cite their sources, which horrified me!

[Joy]

Excellent way to get your feet wet into the expressive arts. Lots of helpful exercises.

[Reading]

《涂鸦日记》（美）（芭芭拉·加宁、苏珊·福克斯）。

前几天看了点荣格的日记，荣格在很多年里会把梦境画出来，然后日记里会有文字感想也有分析，再看这本的时候就觉得确实绘画是心理治疗的一种方式。画的很多作为旁观者并看不明白，但是对于画的人来说Ta的潜意识逐渐浮现，在说话吧，所以画的人自己懂，甚至让人觉得理解和领悟力特别强。这种书最重要的就是要有相信的心和耐心去跟着实践，不过就是不知道自己有没有这么好的解读能力了。

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was interesting and quite different from the other journaling books I've read.

I expected a lot of visual prompts or examples. There were quite a bit of visuals. This was no surprise. The sketches/art was different. People who feel like they can't draw should t be intimidated. There is no right or wrong.

In the beginning, it helps you get set up with suggestions regarding materials and even included tips on setting up a journaling space.

The book was a lot heavier on self analysis than I imagined. This was a good thing. There are a lot of exercises to help you dig deeper, cleanse and heal.

This book was quite an interesting journey. It can be therapeutic but you must be willing to set aside time to explore.

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting & inspirational
BLURB:Beautifully illustrated with black and white and color drawings from the journals of students in their acclaimed workshops, Visual Journaling makes this enjoyable tool for personal exploration accessible for everyone.