Susan Borkin
Susan Borkin, PhD is a licensed psychotherapist and speaker based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since 1978 she has specialized in the therapeutic use of journaling. A true pioneer, she was working in the field of writing therapy, before such a field even existed, and long before the word “journaling” became an internet buzzword. Susan is the author of Writing from the Inside Out (1995), When Your Heart Speaks, Take Good Notes (2000), The Healing Power of Writing: A Therapist’s Guide to Using Journaling with Clients (W.W. Norton, 2014) and When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Journaling (2021). Committed to helping creative people get unstuck with and through writing, she works with people interested in using writing as part of their healing, growth, and transformation. As an advanced facilitator and faculty member of Veriditas, the international training organization for labyrinth facilitator training, her newest work is the development of programs on “Journaling the Labyrinth.”
Susan’s work is informed by both the fields of positive psychology and everyday creativity. She continues to hold a global vision of a world in which journaling is available to all and the pen is truly mightier than the sword.
Here’s what attendees are saying about Susan Borkin’s seminars:
“I really enjoyed this class. I feel enlightened—and I’ve never felt enlightened (or even used that word) before. Thank you so much for opening up all these options to deal with life. I feel as though I have such a great tool—and so many different ways to go about it."
—Caitlin Draper, “When Your Heart Speaks, Take Good Notes”
“One of the best instructors I’ve had in a long time.”
—J.M.B., “Writing to Heal”
“I am so excited and thrilled about this class. I can’t wait to tell people about it. It opens up new doors and wonderful possibilities for stretching your spirit.” -
-- Connie Thompson, “Introduction to the Personal Journal”
“This course offered me tools to help myself. There was a wide range of techniques offered… An excellent and helpful workshop.”
—Lauren “Arti” O’ Rourke, “Writing to Heal”
“I entered this class with apprehension and am leaving with a newfound confidence.”
—John Swartz, “Introduction to the Personal Journal"
Here’s what other instructors and course administrators are saying:
“I just read through the evaluations for “Introduction to the Personal Journal.” They are excellent! Several students mentioned the “safe” environment you establish, your sense of humor, and the natural flow of the material through the day. The evaluations reflect how well prepared and practiced you are—not only at journal writing, but at excellence in teaching. Bravo! “
—Judy Rose, Dean-Humanities, UC-Extension, Santa Cruz
“Such music you create when you teach!”
—Kate Williams Browne, Canada College
Here’s what psychotherapy colleagues are saying:
“Clear, energetic, compact, crisp. Very innovative and vibrant.”
“Excellent. An inspiring presentation. Her passion for her work—her creativity—is evident. A wonderful way to end the conference.”
“A most wonderful workshop and it came at the very best time. Presenter was enthusiastic, respectful of the audience, and shared her experience happily. Well prepared and obviously knowledgeable in this area.”
“Wow! …Useful and creative. Maybe I can get my clients past writer’s block. A sparkler at the end of the day.”
