Some people like to write things down privately between sessions, others may want to share the themes of what they’ve written. It’s not a case of being marked like you’re at school & if you do want to talk about your writing, even it it’s just a list, we can. Or not. It’s your choice but please don’t think you’ve got to write a bestseller! I’m just saying that I get the value of being able to write stuff down sometimes when saying things out loud seems extra painful. And you can always take it back, move it around, tear it up, burn it. Or cherish it.

If you're interested in the power of the written word but not so much in doing the writing, I can write a brief account on your behalf for you to have and keep after your therapy has ended.

Writing & Therapy

I always used to find that writing helped me to make sense of things in a non-threatening way. As a (very!) mature student I did an MA in Creative Writing and Personal Development at Sussex University. Because it was writing for therapeutic purposes, I did an entry level counselling training course alongside it although I wasn’t ready for the commitment that being a therapist entails. Instead, I later became a listening volunteer for a charitable organisation, supporting callers with distressing and suicidal thoughts. I enjoyed it so much that I eventually decided to go for an actual career in counselling.

Although I have less time to write creatively these days, I often rely on the use of metaphors in my work with clients. Metaphors can be a more accessible way to work with difficult feelings.

My most recent training to become a trauma-informed therapist has brought me back full circle to the importance of being able to tell our stories whether verbally or through writing.

If you're interested in the power of the written word but not so much in doing the writing, I can write a brief account on your behalf for you to have and keep after your therapy has ended.