Definitely healing for me. I've always journalized. I haven't been one to keep the journals over years. I change and the journals change with me! I write more now than ever.
Short stories (one made it to being published, which is exciting for me!), some writing to help others, some to help me! Very healing. Now I'm working on a novel.
And I agree, once the jumbled thoughts are out of my mind, I feel much better! :))