The Joyce Beisswenger papers date from 1906 to 2005 and measure 21.6 linear inches. The papers are arranged in six series: Biography, Education, Career, Correspondence, Donna Sexton Case, and Family History.

The Biography series (1930-2002) contains autobiographical writings by both Beisswenger and her husband, Don, including the periods before and after their marriage in 1954. It also contains Beisswenger's obituaries, resume, and some personal papers, including notes in an "Integral Journey" journal and a folder of favorite quotes.

The Education series (1947-1998) documents Beisswenger's educational career, from high school through both of her graduate degrees. The series includes memorabilia from her high school graduation and 1992 reunion, newsletters about classmates from the Yale Divinity School, and a 1950 yearbook from her time at the Iowa State Teachers' College (UNI). Additionally, it contains materials from her social work training, her continuing education courses, and her Masters in Social Work diploma from the University of Tennessee.

The Career series (1973-2003) covers Beisswenger's work at Scarritt College, materials related to her 1973 "I'm OK-You're OK" course, and assorted other notes and papers about retreats. One folder in the series contains materials from the Penuel Ridge Retreat Center the Beisswengers co-founded.

The Correspondence series (1954-2005) contains letters to, from, and about Beisswenger and her family. Among them are letters to Judy, Don Beisswenger?s second wife, from a family friend and letters of condolence that Don received upon Joyce's death in 2002. In addition, there is a folder of Beisswenger's non-professional writings.

The Donna Sexton Case series (1995-2005) documents Beisswenger's involvement in attempting to secure the release of Donna Sexton from prison. Included are legal papers, correspondence between the two women, correspondence between Beisswenger and others involved in the case, and Beisswenger's written summary of Donna Sexton's history.

The Family History series (1904-1994) contains material pertaining to the genealogy of the Smalley and Beisswenger families, family photographs, and newspaper clippings from Osage, Iowa from 1914-1956. The series also includes materials regarding the Osage International Weekend program Beisswenger instituted at the University of Iowa.