If you've ever wanted to try journaling, this course will provide answers to your every question. You’ll discover the different types of journaling (including dream journaling), and sample a buffet of journaling techniques, exercises, tools, and resources.

We’ll cover everything you need to know about journaling, including a seven-step process that will ease you into writing a journal, even if you've never journaled before. You'll get detailed instructions on developing, decorating, and customizing your journal, and you'll learn exciting new ways to express yourself and develop your creativity.

You'll find out how you can use your journal to explore your thoughts, feelings, and values, and you'll learn how to use your journal to support you as you develop true emotional well-being. You'll also understand how journaling can ease the stress of unwanted change throughout the course of your life. You'll even discover how journaling can help you choose the best career for you or advance in your current career.

A new section of each course starts monthly. If enrolling in a series of two or more courses, please be sure to space the start date for each course at least two months apart.

All courses run for six weeks, with a two-week grace period at the end. Two lessons are released each week for the six-week duration of the course. You do not have to be present when lessons are released. You will have access to all lessons until the course ends. However, the interactive discussion area that accompanies each lesson will automatically close two weeks after the lesson is released. As such, we strongly recommend that you complete each lesson within two weeks of its release.

The final exam will be released on the same day as the last lesson. Once the final exam has been released, you will have two weeks to complete all of your course work, including the final exam.

Internet access, e-mail, and and the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser.

This course includes a knowledgeable and caring instructor who will guide you through your lessons, facilitate discussions, and answer your questions. The instructor for this course will be Cheryl Simpson.

Cheryl Simpson, L.P.C., is a Career Coach and Ohio-licensed Career Counselor with more than 30 years’ journaling experience. Cheryl is the author of more than 30 articles for both print and Internet media. She also has led journaling workshops and retreats on college campuses, at conferences, in schools, and for religious organizations, and has developed more than 100 journaling exercises and prompts.

“ An excellent course. It exceeded my expectations and I am absolutely sure I will use the information throughout the years. ”

“ Cheryl, thank you for a very meaningful class. I know that I will use this material over and over again. I have been inspired to really focus on the benefits to be gained from journaling. The material you had for us was so much more thought provoking than I expected for a journaling class. I have a whole new appreciation for the art of journaling. ”

“ Great course on the psychology of journaling and I enjoyed getting back into writing. Very inspiring and personal. I have learned much to take with me in my writing adventure. Thank you. ”

“ I have benefited immensely from this class and highly recommend it to anyone who has used journaling to explore their inner life and to get honest and current with themselves. The instructor has presented valuable information and resources also for those who are new to journaling. Enjoy! You will not be disappointed. ”

“ I have kept a journal (on and off) for 20 years. In the past year, I noticed huge gaps in time between entries, so I decided to take this class to get me back on track. As a result of this course, not only am I writing in my journal more frequently, but I'm having a blast doing so! My entries are more focused and insightful and full of zest and optimism. I've also started to record my dreams, which is a new experience for me. Thank you for giving us the tools and techniques to make our journal writing more efficient, beneficial and fun! ”

“ I knew I would enjoy this class just from reading the course outline, but I didn't expect it to have such a huge impact on me. I rediscovered the joy of writing and used my journaling to make major changes in my life. This has been one of the most powerful experiences I have ever had. Each lesson was exactly what I was hoping to learn, and so much more. I have two degrees, but this course is one that will continue to have a positive impact every day. Thank you so much! ”

“ I learned a lot more from this course than I thought I would. I will be using this information for the rest of my life. ”

“ I'm new to journaling and this course has been a wonderful surprise. I had no idea the practice of journaling offered so many benefits and can be such a helpful, powerful tool in our lives. ”

“ I really appreciated the different techniques and tools of journaling the class afforded. I also am interested in exploring the dream areas more. There was just a lot of information and ideas that I think will be helpful down the line. ”

“ Thank you for this class, because I really needed some direction and a safe place to share my thoughts and dreams. ”