Wellness Writing Workshops (Virtual and In-Person)
Wouldn’t you love to find a low-cost way to bring joy, comfort and clarity to your personal and working life?
Writing for wellness (or expressive writing) can do all of these—and more. Over 300 clinical studies support the benefits of regular writing, and you don't have to be a writer to do this.
Here’s what I bring to the wellness-writing workshops:
20+ years as a healthcare professional, including working with under-resourced patients to tell their lived-experience stories with dignity and privacy
Training and education from Columbia (U.S) and Leeds (U.K.) Universities. Also, I completed and have been certified via Duke University Integrative Medicine Center’s program, Leading Others in Writing for Health.
Certified in Mental Health First Aid, an international training provided by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
Widely published author and essayist, including illness narratives and expressive writing.
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Why Write?
Enjoy this podcast interview (above) with KevinMD. Here, I talk about the benefits of expressive or emotional writing in my own life. Also, I cite some of the clinical research that supports the efficacy of writing as a wellness or self-care tool. I also chat about how to get started writing. Plus: Don’t miss my three takeaways for those who are starting to write.
Also, see this meta-analysis from Cambridge University Press on how stories and art can make us feel better.
Want to join one of my upcoming or scheduled wellness writing workshops? Contact me.
Sign up for my information-rich newsletter. Or scroll to the end to see past locations and collaborators.
“Your workshop was a perfect blend of experiential exercises, information-sharing and discussion. The participants were very engaged, and I was reluctant to end the evening.”
“Thanks for your wonderful session. I enjoyed it very much. I think you have provided me the prompts that I needed to keep writing.”
“Thank you for the workshop on expressive writing. It is so relevant during all times, but especially during these times.”
“Today I saw a sign, ‘What Makes You Smile?’ I immediately thought of your writing session.”
“Áine’s workshop helped me to understand how writing could support my work as a social worker.”
Notes from Participants
“Thank you for your work on Saturday’s session, I think it went really well. I found the discussion and time very restorative.”
Writing for Wellbeing: Hosts and Collaborators
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Seattle Children's Hospital
Children's hospital in Seattle, Washington
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Massachusetts General Hospital
Lunch ‘n Learn employee development
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Justice Resource Institute (JRI)
New England
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Carver School of Medicine, U. Iowa
Writing the Personal Essay
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American Asssociation of Holistic Nurses
Boston Seacoast Chapter
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Employee Assistance Professionals (EAP)
Association, Massachusetts and Rhode Island
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Doctors on Social Media (SoMeDoc
Setting Up an Expressive Writing Program within Your Health System or Service Area
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Hope Floats
Healing and Wellness Center
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North of Boston Cancer Resource
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Ferry Beach Retreat
and Conference Center
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Facing History and Ourselves
(Employee development) Boston, California, Toronto, UK
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Wellesley and Newbury
Public Libraries
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Gloucester Writers Center
Nonprofit writers center
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HerStry
Writing for Comfort and Joy
What Workshop Topic Would Work for You?
Writing for Comfort and Joy - Learn how to find and re-find your inner joy through writing. I developed this as a keynote presentation, and it has since grown into a highly interactive and popular workshop. All writing and sharing are optional.
Start Your New Year Off “Write:” In the “deep midwinter,” it can be hard to start or re-start a writing practice. This workshop can jumpstart your writing and help you to sustain your resolution to write more.
Writing for Self-Care and Wellbeing – Journaling, micro essays and other wellness writing. Includes a short review of the evidence-based research on the link between writing and recovery. We include some opportunities for participant writing and tips for getting published (optional).
Words after Work - An introduction to expressive writing as part of your workplace or employee wellness initiatives or offerings. Suitable for beginner writers and includes options for those who “hate writing by hand.”