About this episode

This episode explores the benefits of journaling for mental health and spiritual growth with insights from a Catholic therapist.

Have you ever wanted to journal but didn't know where to start — or tried and gave up because it felt too rigid, too vulnerable, or just not for you? In this episode, Catholic therapist Adam Cross, LMFT (#116623) sits down with Amber from the Catholic Counseling Institute to unpack the surprising depth of journaling as a tool for mental health and spiritual growth. From the neuroscience of narrative storytelling to inner child check-ins, morning pages to sketchbooks, this conversation covers journaling in all its forms — with warmth, humor, and real clinical insight. Topics covered:• The neuroscience of narrative and why journaling releases serotonin• Adam's simple emotional check-in method: sad, mad, glad, afraid• Free-association morning pages, sketchbooks, and non-word journaling• The Catholic history of journaling from early Church Fathers to modern saints• How to journal about trauma safely — without retraumatizing yourself• Inner child and parts work journaling for deeper self-awareness• AI and journaling: a thoughtful caution with practical guidance• A summer challenge to build a daily check-in habit Whether you're brand new to journaling or looking to deepen your…

People in this episode

Host: Adam Cross

Guest: Amber

Topics covered

• journaling
• mental health
• spiritual growth
• neuroscience
• self-awareness
• trauma
• inner child

Keywords

• journaling
• mental health
• spiritual growth
• neuroscience
• self-awareness
• trauma
• inner child
• morning pages
• check-in method
• non-word journaling

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Catholic Counseling Institute, Catholic Therapist

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