At a Journal Workshop: Writing to Access the Power of the Unconscious and Evoke Creative Ability

Dr. Ira Progoff's most influential book is a masterpiece of non-Freudian holistic depth psychology. The writing illuminates Progoff's theory of personality development, based roughly on Jungian and Adlerian hypotheses of organic psyche function. The structure of the book describes in very simple language a "journal workbook" method for life transition self-help.I have used the Intensive Journal Method since 1973. It has been a personal and profession "life saver" for me and I find new treasures each time I attend one of the professionally facilitated workshops.The journalling process Progoff outlines is radically different than the typically conceived journal writing effort. The book describes a sophisticated method of "dialogue and feedback" whereby one learns (by doing) the subtle and surprising dynamics of the "inward self" in dialogue with the "outward self". It is a simple, disciplined method of breaking out of the trap of circular writing that happens in most journal efforts. The writing is intentionally and delightfully free of psychological jargon.Of particular interest in Progoff's method is his workbook process for accessing the "non-conscious" aspects of one's daily life. Using a Dream Log and Dream Enlargement section of the workbook, the journal discipline is an effective guide for engaging one's dreams in a non-analytical way. This unique method is expanded in the section called Twilight Imagery and Imagery Extension.Progoff takes care to distinguish his methodology from "orthodox" Freudian concepts, avoiding the medical meta-narrative of diagnostic procedure. The "psyche" is an open-ended, dynamic, organic function unique to every human being. The journal workbook is intended to enable any person to access their own "seed-potential" for living the fullest life possible.Though his writing is without religious dogma, there is a spiritual tone to Progoff's method and he cites theological, literary and artistic sources to illustrate many of his journal procedures.The book does not get much recognition in our western culture which is dominated by a medical-model that regards the psyche as an object of pathological study. However, the popular journal workshops are offered on a regular basis throughout North America and the price of this book is one of the bargains.

This is a fabulous book. I got it before I took the course and found it interesting. Then I took the Intensive Journal Workshop and this is a must-have.

I've been in a lot of self-help environments. One of the people that has a great reputation is Joseph Campbell, as someone outside of the therapeutic community but with great insight to share. He wrote the following about the process presented in this book: " ... Progoff's Intensive Journal Process is one of the great inventions of our time." Good enough for me. Wish it was in Kindle. It will be a long time before I get through this process and can give an evaluation but I wanted to share my surprise and inspiration from Joseph Campbell's recommendation. Read about Campbell on Wiki. I'm going to scan and OCR this in place of Kindle.Some of his serious dedication to this project includes beautiful prose describing this process and the results he witnessed.

I have been using the Intensive journal for over 40 years. I will recommend this book to any one who is serious about getting to know themselves. It's multi dimensional journal is unique and comprehensive. Because it is done in a loose leaf notebook it helps you to keep the different parts of your life in order and see inter relationships, trends , directions and to help deal with the elusive issues of our lives. This book is used in the 1, 2 and 3 part workshops, but can help anyone get started.

I ordered this book because I used it to facilitate my journal writing in the past. Since I intend to use the format it teaches again, and I no longer have the original book, I reordered it. It is an excellent resource for those who journal their personal experiences and a good tool for learning about yourself.

Books was expected and in the shape I ordered.. great

Quick and easy process, no problems at all.

This book is not for the faint of heart. It is a serious in-depth guide to the inner self. The book is designed to be used intensively and requires serious focus. It was designed for use in an intensive workshop, but can be used and followed at home individually. I am looking forward to my journey with this book.

Archaic language, much bigger than it needs to be. A thorough edit and re-print could probably save it.

very happy with the srvice and the book itself

Bit airy fairy. Lots of Jung spirituality & inner self schtick. I have to do it for work, but it depends if you like that sort of thing.

Interesting book but it takes a while to read this. It also includes valuable exercises which of course you can transfer to any notebook or other format you desire. Nice!

Received my book order today. Speedy delivery. Quality book. Thanks everyone.