This practical training is designed to help clinicians integrate evidence-based writing interventions into their therapeutic work. Grounded in research on expressive writing, narrative therapy, and trauma processing, this training will explore how journaling can facilitate emotional expression, cognitive clarity, and self-reflection. You will learn specific techniques, such as structured prompts, free writing, and gratitude journaling, to address issues like trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. By the end, you will gain confidence in utilizing journaling as a versatile, accessible tool to deepen therapeutic insight and support your clients’ healing and growth.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Identify the clinical basis of expressive writing.
- Explain the various ways in which expressive writing can be used to address mental health symptoms.
- Apply expressive writing strategies to clinical practice.
Syllabus:
Introduction
Objective 1: Identify the clinical basis of expressive writing
- Definitions
- The history of the therapeutic use of expressive writing
- The importance of Kay Adams
Objective 2: Explain the various ways in which expressive writing can be used to address mental health symptoms
- The Kay Adams Expressive Writing “rubric”
- Expressive writing and trauma
- How to introduce expressive writing to clients
Objective 3: Apply expressive writing strategies to clinical practice
- Differentiating modalities of expressive writing
- Discerning which types of expressive writing are most clinically applicable
Summary/Q&A
Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 1.5 hours of Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Dreya Blume, LCSW
Recording Date: January 21, 2025
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
System Requirements: Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Safari, Edge on any modern operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS). A desktop browser is recommended. We do not provide support resources for issues encountered using a mobile device.
Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com