Journaling: Your Brain's Brutal Therapy Session or Total BS? | Episode 43
Hey, you beautiful disasters! It’s Michael, your Sober Psychology host, back with another episode that’s gonna hit you harder than a sobriety checkpoint.
We’re diving into why scribbling your thoughts isn’t just for angsty teens—it’s a game-changer for your mental health and recovery. I’m breaking down the science, from Alcoholics Anonymous wisdom to legit studies, showing how journaling can tame your inner chaos, boost self-awareness, and keep your sobriety on lock. Expect raw truths, a few dark chuckles, and practical tips to make your journal your new best friend (sorry, Netflix). Whether you’re fighting addiction, stress, or just your brain’s BS, this episode’s got you.
Smash that like button, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to spill their guts on paper. New episodes drop weekly on YouTube and Spotify—let’s keep it real!
References: - Alcoholics Anonymous. (2001). Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism (4th ed.). Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. - PositivePsychology.com. (n.d.). 5 Benefits of Journaling for Mental Health. Retrieved from https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-journaling/ - Huffman, J. C., et al. (2024). A randomized feasibility study of a positive psychology journaling intervention for patients with substance use disorders. ScienceDirect. - University of Rochester Medical Center. (n.d.). Journaling for Emotional Wellness. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=4552 - Silver Ridge Recovery. (2024). Unlocking Long-Term Recovery: The Healing Power of Journaling for Adults. https://www.silverridgerecovery.com/unlocking-long-term-recovery-the-healing-power-of-journaling-for-adults/ - American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Expressive writing can help your mental health. https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/expressive-writing - Mental Health Center. (2025). The Connection Between Creativity and Mental Health. https://www.mentalhealthctr.com/the-connection-between-creativity-and-mental-health/ - Spectrum Health Systems. (2025). Exploring the Therapeutic Benefits of Journaling in Addiction Recovery. https://www.spectrumhealthsystems.org/exploring-the-therapeutic-benefits-of-journaling-in-addiction-recovery/ - Resources to Recover. (2021). The Benefits of Journaling for Mental Health. https://www.rtor.org/2021/04/24/the-benefits-of-journaling-for-mental-health/ - American Addiction Centers. (2024). Why Journaling is a Powerful Recovery Tool. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/blog/journaling-recovery - Robin Recovery. (2025). The benefits of journaling during addiction recovery. https://www.robinrecovery.com/post/the-benefits-of-journaling-during-addiction-recovery?67289134_page=11 - HelpGuide.org. (2024). Journaling for Mental Health and Wellness. https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/wellbeing/journaling-for-mental-health-and-wellness - Ivory Plains Recovery Center. (2024). Try Journaling for Better Mental Health. https://ivoryplainsrecovery.com/blog/try-journaling-for-better-mental-health/ - Psychology Today. (2025). Journaling in College: A Low-Tech Mental-Health Enhancer. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/college-mental-health/202506/journaling-in-college-a-low-tech-mental-health-enhancer - UP Magazine. (n.d.). The Mental Health Benefits of Journaling: Releasing, Reflecting, and Rebuilding. https://upmag.com/the-mental-health-benefits-of-journaling-releasing-reflecting-and-rebuilding/
This video is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room.
About Michael
I'm Michael, a mental health creator, recovered alcoholic, future therapist, and the host of Sober Psychology. After realizing how much of the traditional mental health conversation misses the mark, I decided to build a space dedicated to raw, unfiltered self-examination and personal healing. My approach combines psychological principles with brutal honesty and hard truths, cutting through the noise to help people navigate their own growth. No toxic positivity, no hidden shame—just real conversations about what it actually takes to heal.