Writing for Wellbeing

I am a writer and a poetry therapy practitioner (PTP) in training. I study with the International Academy for Poetry Therapy (iaPOETRY). I facilitate group sessions and work individually
with clients, under the guidance of my mentor – a trained poetry therapist.

I have also studied creative writing and hold a postgraduate diploma in creative writing and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. As my writing has developed, I have continually understood that the writing of our own life experiences – both large, and small everyday ones – and of our memories can trigger responses in our mind and body.

This can produce a feeling of wellness in a similar way to certain movements such as Tai Chi, Chi Kung, and Feldenkrais; gentle movements to support people to live their lives in the way that they would like.

Writing for wellness aims to promote a sense of wellbeing and healing. It is beneficial for all, and practitioners can utilise poetry / prose therapy for people from all walks of life.

My focus is on the following at present:

• Women in their middle years and beyond, but the groups are inclusive of women of all ages.
• Students who are interested in exploring self-development through creativity.
• Carers for family and friends and people in a caring profession.

In practice, a typical poetry group may involve some aspects of the following. The theme of the session / group will vary each time, e.g., nature, childhood, culture.

We read a poem or prose extract together, we’ll individually draw out what is meaningful to us, and produce our own writing in response. As we identify (or not) with the issues, themes
or emotional aspects of the poem, we will explore their meaning for us and our feelings surrounding the poem.

If anyone would then like to share their writing and contribute ideas, emotions and reflections, this will be very welcome, although if there is a wish not to share that is okay too. The group will agree to confidentiality within the group, respect for each other and a willingness to listen to each other without criticism, remembering that everyone in the group may experience life differently. Therefore, any writing they may offer is based on their individual world-view. The groups are held in a caring, supportive environment.

Groups may involve some individual work / reflection within smaller groups of twos / threes before coming back to a main group discussion where people can participate if they wish.

The outcome can be that listening to the responses of others may assist us in the creation of our own writing as we listen, contrast and perhaps rethink our own views. Therefore, sharing in such a way can aid our creativity as we can acquire new ideas, thoughts and insights.

Each workshop that I have attended in the process of writing for wellness has added to my knowledge of myself and others and given me much ‘food for thought’. Therefore, not only does my writing contribute to my wellbeing, but others’ writing can influence changes in my own creativity too.

You don’t need to have any prior experience in creative writing or poetry – I will provide prompts, suggestions and guidance during the session.

Within the above workshops I will offer short Tai Chi / Chi Kung exercises to warm up our creativity! Once again, there is no requirement for any previous knowledge. At all times, you
are responsible for your own health and wellbeing. Although it is all gentle exercise, it is of course optional. At all times, I will advise you to listen to your own body and mind.

words living inside you shape the world living with us”

Mohsin Mohi Ud Din, Your language of self authors your health, TEDxBoston