It is helpful. I wasn't keen on the idea at first either but I tried it and it is good for me.

I don't do it as often as I like, due to privacy concerns with people I live with but I do it when I can, I have also journaled every session I've ever had, the good, the bad, the funny, the useful etc. It helps to go back and reflect on the journey.

I've only read one journal thing out loud, not sure I'd ever read others but it has helped me be more open to sharing things with him since then.