Ana Juma – Journal to the Self

Journal to the Self is a journaling course taught by Ana Juma, a writer and facilitator. It uses a framework created by Kathleen “Kay” Adams and includes videos, PDFs and documents.

What you’ll learn in Journal to the Self

• 18 structured journaling techniques you can use instead of staring at a blank page
• How to use journaling as a tool for self-understanding, personal growth and expression
• When to reach for timed writing, lists, dialogue or unsent-letter techniques
• How to build a repeatable self-reflection practice you actually return to
• The background of the Journal to the Self method created by Kay Adams in 1985
• How to choose between self-paced study and the live cohort with weekly calls

Ana Juma and the Journal to the Self method

Ana Juma is a Certified Journal to the Self Instructor with more than 10 years of work in personal development. Her background includes certifications in journaling psychology and cognitive behavioral techniques.

Rather than presenting a framework of her own invention, Juma teaches the established Journal to the Self curriculum as a trained and certified instructor.

Using journaling for self-reflection

The course approaches journaling as more than a record of daily events. Its exercises provide ways to explore an experience or think through a question on paper.

The techniques range from brief, structured exercises to slower forms of reflection. Each offers a different way into the writing process, so a journaler can select an approach suited to the moment rather than trying to use every technique at once.

The history of Journal to the Self

Kathleen “Kay” Adams, Director of the Center for Journal Therapy, created Journal to the Self in 1985. The method has since reached more than 100,000 people worldwide, and Juma teaches its curriculum as a certified instructor.

Who the journaling course is for

Journal to the Self is designed for people who want a more structured way to reflect in writing, including those new to journaling and those restarting a practice. The course can be studied at a self-directed pace.

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Frequently asked questions

What does Journal to the Self cover?

The course teaches a structured approach to journaling for self-understanding, personal growth and expression. It introduces 18 techniques that offer different ways to approach a writing session.

Who is Journal to the Self suitable for?

It is suited to beginners and people returning to journaling who want more structure for self-reflection.

What materials are included in the course?

The course materials include videos, PDFs and documents.

Who created the Journal to the Self method?

Kathleen “Kay” Adams, Director of the Center for Journal Therapy, created the method in 1985. Ana Juma is a certified instructor of the curriculum.

Is Journal to the Self therapy?

No. It is an educational course in self-reflection and personal growth, not a substitute for professional mental-health care.