It’s the second meeting of my new therapeutic writing group next Wednesday, 10th April at Space Runcorn.
Here’s what participants at the first meeting said when asked what they enjoyed:
“The company. Friendly people with a welcoming and non-judgemental environment. Great conversation and feedback.”
“Talking to lovely people, in a safe space. Being able to talk about what came up in an open and honest environment. Something different and enjoyable.”
It’s a chance for you to carve out a dedicated time to experience the therapeutic benefits of self-expression, of putting pen to paper and pouring out those thoughts and feelings onto the page.
It’s a group for you to nurture your creativity and play with words. It’s about writing for yourself, freely and without rules. So no one will be checking your similes or your spelling. Journalling, poetry, stories… anything goes. You don’t need to already be a writer, know the finer rules of grammar or have perfect handwriting – though if you do, you’re also very welcome. You will be invited to share your writing and/or your thoughts – but there is no pressure to do so.
Sessions begin with time to get a brew and check in with each other, forming a supportive writing community for our evening together. Then there is dedicated time to write. Themes and prompts are provided, but you are also equally welcome to follow your own muse. We finish up with chance to reconnect with each other, share your writing if you want to or talk about how you found the process – again, only if you want to.
My route to organising these sessions as a counsellor comes via a degree in literature, a career in journalism, time as a teacher and a personal writing practice that includes journalling, short stories, poetry and terrible handwriting.