Become your own graphologist

I go through phases in my journaling. There are periods where I can't get enough of it, and others where I'm creating those experiences that I'll eventually be processing on the page.

And also, I've never been able to set aside my graphology and handwriting analysis training. Even my grocery list is suspect. Sometimes it's extra hard to sideline my judgement and perfectionistic tendencies to just let myself be and freeflow. Those are the times I waver. But, I know it's important and I invariably come back to it.

My handwriting has been an absolute mirror to my psychological and emotional state. It's why I began my education in psychology with personality theory. Essentially, when we write, we are expressing our personality on the page.

One of the anecdotes that stuck with me (and I mean really stuck with me...it's been a few decades) was of a therapist who couldn't get through to a teenaged client. That therapist was working with a graphologist and shared a bit of the client's homework-journaling session (geez, I'm cringing as I write this...I certainly hope there was consent).

The graphologist was able to see immediately what the client couldn't express to the therapist. Once the issue was revealed, the therapist could better support the client's healing journey.

I've packed away so much for so long, I found it fascinating that there was a place of absolute honesty.

And then, I got really into the niche area of grapho-therapy. If our writing reflects our internal state, why should that be a 1-way street? I've heard of amazing anecdotes, witnessed incredible results with clients, and made beautiful growth myself. Even Louise Hay adopted grapho-therapeutic techniques.

If you've read this far, maybe the graphology bug has gotten you, too. No matter how much we're on our screens, it can still feel incredible to hold a pen and touch it to the paper, to feel connected, to let something be real and tangible. And, the physical act of writing (not copying, tracing, or typing) lights up areas in the brain associated with creativity, comprehension, and memory. It's a win-win.

But, like I said, it's also revealing because our subconscious never lies. And while your mind may not want to pay attention, the subconscious always finds a way to express itself—somewhere, someway, somehow.

So, if you have a journaling practice and would like an added layer of insight, or if your curiosity is piqued, read on for some self-analysis tips.

There are two main camps of handwriting analysis: you can look at the specific formations of letters (trait stroke approach), or you can look at the whole picture (gestalt approach). I'm trained in both, but my first love has been my longest. I spent a couple of decades immersed in gestalt handwriting analysis, aka graphology. It was my first way in and the approach I fell most in love with. I love how it can be applied to any language (trait stroke approach is specific to language), and it even works on doodling!

I trained myself to gaze at writing without becoming distracted by what is actually written. I can stare at a page of writing for several minutes, entranced by the patterns and rhythms, without ever reading a word of it. If you have a knack at this, awesome, you’re one step ahead.

If you don’t have it yet, try turning your journal page on its side, or even upside down. That way, your mind won’t be distracted by trying to re-read it.

Now, relax and notice.

Think of your writing as an expression of your body.

Are there places where it stands up straighter? Or maybe leans forward, eager to express its feeling? Or retreats backward, as if it doesn’t want to have anything to do with that phrase?

Are there places where it gets tight and scrunchy and uncomfortable? Or, are there places where it opens up and flows freely?

Do words suddenly jump up enthusiastically, screaming for attention? Or, do they get lower and more depressed, like the weight of the word is too heavy to bear?

You can also watch the overall line of each writing/sentence. Is it climbing upward optimistically, or falling down in sadness? Or, is it maybe waffling as if moods were rising and falling?

It’s a fascinating way to get more in touch with your deeper truth. And remember, it doesn’t make you wrong. It’s just a clue. It’s not there for you to fight with or wish away. No matter what you see, it’s a part of yourself asking for love.

Here’s to your self-discovery. I'm walking right beside you.

Shine on,

Jennifer Grace.