I am fairly new to using this site's trauma diary feature. I think my idea was to help myself to better see the structure of my thoughts. When it's only in my head it kinda swirls like smoke in a mist. It can be hard to get a grasp of. If I am able to write it down (some of it I can't) it's easier for me to see the underlying theme(s) and/or recognize cognitive distortions etc. And I am hoping that I can use it to keep track of highs and lows - if I use it regularly.
I started writing a diary in the members-only sub-forum, but found I wasn't ready to have other members read and interact with my diary. So I started using the private diary. I did however appreciate the feeling of standing shoulder to shoulder in the other sub-forum. So many members seem to be using their diaries on a regular basis; after less than a day I would find my own diary on page 2, due to the frequent writing of other members. I found that to be encouraging.
I have yet to write in my diary on a regular basis. For now I use it when I have a more solid sense of what's going on in my mind - or I struggle with specific thougths/situations. I'd like to try out writing every day for a while though, to see what going on (I tend to forget what I have been doing and thinking from one day to the next).
In regards to therapy I think it might prove very useful, to help me keep track of what happens in sessions, as well as between sessions.