How Psychotherapy and Journaling Help

A new study using brain imaging quantifies the benefits of putting feelings into words when talking with a therapist or friend, or writing in a journal.

UCLA psychologists report differenct areas of brain are active when individuals communicate their feelings. In turn, the shift of brain activity is associated with better control of our emotions, making our feelings of sadness, anger and pain less intense.

The study showed that an area of the brain called the amygdale, which serves as an alarm to activate a cascade of biological systems to protect the body in times of danger, is less active when an individual labels feelings.

Further, another region of the brain is more active: the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex. This region is located behind the forehead and eyes and has been associated with thinking in words about emotional experiences.

"How Psychotherapy and Journaling Help"

Read the full article at psychcentral.com