A developing body of research shows that writing for wellbeing/expressive writing helps calm the mind and emotions and can increase feelings of happiness and wellbeing. People who have done this say it sparks their imagination and helps them release both personal and creative limitations. They also say it helps them to be kinder to themselves. Listen here to Dr Michael Mosely talking about ‘the healing power of the pen’ to lift your mood, improve your immune system and give your brain a boost. BBC Radio 4 – Just One Thing – with Michael Mosley, Write It Out
You will be offered prompts for writing, as a gentle approach to personal growth. These writing activities are tools which you may take away with you to use outside of the writing group, if you want to.
None. You will be guided through specific writing activities designed to help release the words within you in a positive and creative way (it’s okay if the words don’t come too). You never have to read out anything you have written, so you can write whatever you want! You may also choose to read and share too, as this can be a powerful way to make connections.
Lynne, one of the counsellors, who has training and experience in creative writing for therapeutic purposes. Lynne is often surprised in the power of this expressive method and has found this kind of writing helpful in navigating varied life events, general wellbeing, and just for the sheer joy of developing imagination.
In person, in the Jo Cox More in Common Centre, in a private space.
It runs for 2 hours each session, over 4 weeks, and you are expected to commit to all sessions. It will be a small, closed group, of a maximum of 12 participants.
Every Wednesday from 25th October 2023 to 22nd November 2023 from 10.00am - 12.00pm.
Email counselling@hud.ac.uk to express your interest. Lynne will then arrange an informal one to one chat with you, before the group begins.