Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) announced that Dr. Jessica Maggie Brophy, an English instructor at CNM, collaborated with Wellness CNM to develop a stress management-focused journaling workshop. Dr. Brophy obtained her Journal to the Self-certificate from the Therapeutic Writing Institute three years ago. This initiative is a part of the college's efforts to improve students' mental health and wellness.
The series of workshops that were held this semester are testament to this cause. Dr. Brophy has been guiding students through a series of workshops in the 2023 Fall Term, focusing on themes such as gratitude and self-compassion. The third and final installment approaches on November 28, titled "Don't Panic: Journaling for Stress Relief," according to a press release by CNM.
Dr. Brophy's personal experience and expertise played a key role in these sessions. "Providing a healing and wellness-focused environment at a workshop has been a wonderful way for me to support students during vital times in the term," said Brophy, according to a press release by CNM.
Incorporating various techniques made these workshops beneficial for all attendees. "This last workshop will include lots of short bursts of writing and timed writing exercises that will help students quickly clear their minds," said Brophy, according to a press release by CNM. "This workshop will also be a great opportunity for students who have never journaled before because the exercises are simple and fast-paced."
The principles applied in these workshops have foundations in proven therapeutic methods. Established in 2008, the Therapeutic Writing Institute is the training division of the Center for Journal Therapy, Inc. It provides comprehensive distance-learning programs for facilitators of therapeutic writing, covering core theory, professional development, and supervised practice. Upon completion, participants can apply for credentials as Certified Journal Facilitators or Certified Journal Therapists, according to the Therapeutic Writing Institute website.
The primary goal is to enable students to better express themselves and handle stress effectively. "Journaling workshops like these exist so we can express ourselves, which is something we hear about a lot but aren’t always taught how to do," said Brophy, according to a press release by CNM. "I hope these workshops help students express themselves and that they leave with a sense of clarity, empowerment, and greater awareness. This last workshop is a great way for students to show up for themselves during a stressful time in the school year."
