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 practice, this episode offers something for everyone seeking a more honest, compassionate relationship with themselves.

Have questions? Visit my website: adamcrossmft.com Adam Cross, LMFT #116623