When I write in my journal, it is very personal and open, because I know no one but myself will ever read it. I think if a therapist wants to read a person's journal, it may mean they want to know more about your true feelings and thoughts without the barriers you may present to them in session. Personally, I would never share my journal with my therapist, as it is too private. But I am willing to share many personal and private things with my T face to face and in the moment.

Learning1, I think all your questions are great and wonder if you could ask them of your therapist? Because it does sound kind of contradictory, as you pointed out.

I have shared a poem I wrote with my T, and it went well. Poetry is deeply personal to me, so it was hard. I think also that sharing one's dreams with a therapist is another way to get around the self censoring that one may do during a session. Dreams show our unconscious--again, very open, although often times cryptic. When I share a dream in therapy, great sessions often ensue.