The Shadow Work Journal is a free 12-page printable PDF for anyone exploring shadow work. It includes before you start, shadow work prompts, prompt reflection, trigger log and patterns I notice, in A4, US Letter and a hyperlinked digital version.

Understand yourself more deeply with this shadow work journal. Includes before you start, shadow work prompts, prompt reflections, a trigger log, patterns, a letter to your younger self and growth moments.

What's inside the shadow work journal

  • Before You Start
  • Shadow Work Prompts
  • Prompt Reflection
  • Trigger Log
  • Patterns I Notice
  • Letter to My Younger Self
  • Growth Moments
  • Notes

See every page

All 12 pages of the US Letter version, exactly as they print. Tap a page to see it larger.

  • 1. Cover
  • 2. This Journal Belongs To
  • 3. Contents
  • 4. Before You Start
  • 5. Shadow Work Prompts
  • 6. Prompt Reflection
  • 7. Trigger Log
  • 8. Patterns I Notice
  • 9. Letter to My Younger Self
  • 10. Growth Moments
  • 11. Notes
  • 12. Thank you page

Who this shadow work journal is for

This journal is for people exploring their inner patterns, triggers and hidden feelings as part of personal growth. It suits those already reflecting on themselves, people working with a therapist or coach and anyone curious about why certain situations upset them. Shadow work can stir up strong emotions, so the journal begins with gentle guidance on going at your own pace. It also suits people who keep repeating the same relationship or work patterns and want to understand why.

How to use your shadow work journal

Read the before you start page. Choose prompts and write on the prompt pages. Record triggers and what lay beneath them. Look for patterns, write to your inner child and note growth over time. Write in a quiet, private space, take breaks when needed and finish each session with something comforting, such as a walk or a cup of tea.

Formats included

A4 PDF

For printing in most of the world (210 × 297 mm).

US Letter PDF

For printing in the US and Canada (8.5 × 11 in).

Digital PDF

Hyperlinked tabs for tablets and PDF annotation apps.

Ready to start?

Free download

Shadow Work Journal questions

Is shadow work safe to do alone?

Go gently; if strong feelings come up, reach out to a therapist or trusted person. Other pages in the 12-page shadow work journal include "Before You Start", "Shadow Work Prompts" and "Prompt Reflection", so related notes stay together. Every page is undated, so you can start any day and reprint a page whenever it fills up.

Are prompts included?

Yes. Look for the "Shadow Work Prompts" and "Prompt Reflection" pages in the 12-page shadow work journal. Download it free, print only the pages you need and add more copies of any page later. Print the A4 or US Letter PDF as often as you need, or write in the digital version on a tablet.

Is there an inner child page?

Yes. Other pages in the 12-page shadow work journal include "Before You Start", "Shadow Work Prompts" and "Prompt Reflection", so related notes stay together. Every page is undated, so you can start any day and reprint a page whenever it fills up.

Is the Shadow Work Journal really free?

Yes, the Shadow Work Journal is completely free for personal use. Download the 12-page PDF without an account or email address, print it at home as often as you like and share the page link with friends. FolarraStudio is free to use. In the future, a few clearly labeled ads may help keep it free.

What size is the Shadow Work Journal?

The Shadow Work Journal comes in A4 (210 x 297 mm) and US Letter (8.5 x 11 inches), plus a hyperlinked digital PDF for tablets. Choose the file that matches the paper in your printer and print at Actual size or 100%, so nothing is cut off. Both paper sizes have the same 12 pages.