Wow, I have never heard a T discourage journaling! It is useful in so many ways. It can help one be more self reflective, get in touch with feelings, get in touch with what is important in one's life, to who we really are, to what we have been avoiding. It helps one be more self aware. Plus it can be a coping method if we feel alone--we can always go and write in the journal. Some Ts suggest it as a way to help get through a long break from therapy or even as a way to help not have to call the T in the week between sessions. There are just so many great uses of a journal, it shocks me your T would discourage it. I think the reason she gave, that it would take you away from your family, is lame. You're not a child, you know how much time you can spare each day (or week) to write in a journal. We're not talking about 2 hours a day here. Bluemoon, your T just sounds so.... well, kind of warped. Sorry.