
Art Journaling with Denise Livingston
A path to inner discovery, healing and self-care
Art journaling is a cornerstone of my coaching practice—a unique and powerful modality that blends creative expression with personal storytelling. It’s more than just making art; it’s a way to process emotions, reflect on your life, and gently connect with the deeper parts of yourself.
For over twenty years, I’ve seen how the simple act of combining color, shape, and reflection can open doors within us that we didn’t even know were closed.
Art journaling offers a beautiful, accessible path to self-care—one that helps you slow down, tune in, and listen to the quiet wisdom that lives within.
Unlike traditional art forms, art journaling isn’t about skill or perfection. It’s about the process—not the product. Using your hands, heart, and imagination, you’ll begin to uncover insights that words alone might struggle to express. Each page becomes a safe container where your inner world can come into view.
Whether you’re completely new to art or an experienced creator, art journaling welcomes you.
There’s no right or wrong way to do it—just your way. Through my guidance and simple, soul-centered techniques, you’ll learn how to use this practice as a tool for healing, personal growth, and self-discovery.
The Benefits of Art Journaling
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The Benefits of Art Journaling 🎨
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Visual journaling helps you connect with your inner wisdom—the part of you that intuitively knows what you need. Through symbols, images, and expressive marks, the subconscious mind speaks, offering insights that might not emerge through logic alone.
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Art journaling allows for emotional release in a safe and non-judgmental way. When words fall short or feel too overwhelming, images, colors, and marks can express what’s hidden beneath the surface. This process of visual expression can help individuals acknowledge and validate their emotions, fostering emotional resilience.
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The act of creating in an art journal can calm the nervous system by shifting focus away from external stressors and into the present moment. The repetitive, rhythmic movements and tactile experience of using art materials provide a meditative quality that soothes anxiety and promotes a sense of inner peace.
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Art journaling invites individuals to explore their inner world. Through colors, symbols, and visual metaphors, one can better understand their thoughts, emotional patterns, and behaviors. This increased self-awareness is key to making intentional changes and deepening self-compassion.
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Journaling visually helps untangle confusing emotions or situations by externalizing them onto the page. Once the clutter of thoughts is out in front of you, it becomes easier to make sense of what you’re experiencing, prioritize what matters, and gain fresh insights.
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Engaging creatively with a challenge or emotion often reveals unexpected solutions. Art journaling helps access the brain’s creative problem-solving abilities, allowing you to “think outside the box” and arrive at new perspectives through imagery, symbolism, and reflection.
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Art journaling is a journey of ongoing personal development. By revisiting recurring themes, tracking growth, and exploring dreams or desires on the page, individuals can develop a deeper sense of purpose, values, and direction in life.
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Unlike traditional art forms that may focus on technique or aesthetics, art journaling celebrates freedom of expression. It is a space where there are no mistakes—only marks that carry meaning. This liberating approach encourages playfulness, experimentation, and risk-taking.
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Over time, art journaling becomes a go-to tool for navigating emotional ups and downs. Whether facing grief, frustration, or anxiety, the creative process becomes a form of emotional regulation, providing healthy ways to manage stress and restore balance.
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As you explore and express yourself freely in your art journal, you begin to trust your own creative voice. Completing a page or trying something new—even if imperfect—can build confidence in your intuition, decision-making, and self-expression.

Upcoming Workshop: Introduction to Therapeutic Art Journaling
Discover the empowering self-care practice of Therapeutic Art Journaling in a live, creative, and supportive group setting. In this 90-minute online workshop, you'll learn how to begin (or deepen) an intuitive art journaling practice that helps you reflect, release, and reconnect—with no art experience required. This is a gentle, guided session designed to help you tune into your inner wisdom through color, shape, and written expression.
🗓 Sunday, July 27th
🕔 5:30–7:00pm MDT
💻 Held on Zoom
💵 $30
👥 Limited to 12 participants
Spots fill quickly—reserve yours today!
Ready to begin your journey inward?
I invite you to explore how art journaling can become a meaningful part of your self-care and life coaching experience. Let’s discover what’s wanting to be expressed.