Why we built Umbrella Journal
Hello, and welcome to Umbrella Journal.
I started this company with a simple belief: the conversations we have with ourselves shape our lives. When those conversations become cloudy — anxious, pessimistic, or overwhelming — we need a kinder, clearer voice to help us through. Journaling has always been that voice. Our mission is to make it easier, smarter, and more supportive for everyone.
Umbrella Journal combines the timeless practice of journaling with gentle, AI‑guided prompts inspired by cognitive‑behavioral therapy. It’s not therapy — and it never replaces professional care — but it can help people notice unhelpful patterns, find better words for hard feelings, and take steps toward healthier thinking.
We’re building with care. Privacy comes first. Your entries belong to you. We design for clarity and simplicity so the app gets out of your way and lets you write. And we learn alongside clinicians, researchers, and, most importantly, our community.
What we value
- Privacy by design
- Kind, practical guidance
- Evidence‑informed prompts
- Accessibility for all
What’s next
- Campus partnerships to support students
- More languages and culturally sensitive prompts
- Thoughtful features that reduce overwhelm
With gratitude,
Mark Anyang
Founder & CEO, Umbrella Journal
