I read something every session - either from my current journal, a previous journal that holds some traumatic memories or independent writings where I explore certain themes such as "The Abyss", etc.

I would never want my T to do the reading because I will interject current thoughts or ideas while reading. And my emotions will come forth when I do my own reading.

The readings only take up a portion of the session. I make a list of what I'd like to talk about and even though I may have the journal on the list, I may not even get to it.

The journal contains important thoughts or feelings that have transpired during the week and if I didn't have my journal I might forget the intensity or the seriousness of them while I was experiencing them. I would feel lost going into session without it.