jbug, my daughter does this with her therapist, who is certified in art therapy. They don't do art therapy every week but many times they do. Often times they work on a joint art project together, or work on art side by side (but each do their own). Sometimes they paint, or do collages, or build things (intricate and whimsical structures). They talk about what they are creating as they do it, or talk about other topics while their hands are occupied by the art. For one thing, it can help take the pressure off to talk when you are sitting there face to face with the therapist and don't know what to say or how to respond. It can be easier (for some) to get into a conversation while they are working on something. My daughter does not do art projects at home as part of this. They just do it in session. I think what you describe about incorporating art into your journal sounds great! Sometimes I write poems in my journal and sometimes I search the Internet for pictures or photos that encapsulate an image I am seeing in my mind, or a feeling I am having, and I insert these into my journal. Let us know how it goes.