Writing for Wellbeing
Workshop Hosts and Organizations
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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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Carver School of Medicine
University of Iowa
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Justice Resource Institute (JRI)
New England
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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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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
About Wellness Writing Workshops (Virtual and In-Person)
Wouldn’t you love to find a low-cost way to ease your stress and to bring joy, comfort and clarity to your personal and working life?
Writing for well-being (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 join a workshop.
Here’s what I bring to the wellness-writing workshops:
20+ years as a healthcare professional, including working with vulnerable patients to tell their lived-experience stories with dignity and privacy
Training and education in expressive writing from Columbia (U.S) and Leeds (U.K.) Universities. Also, I just completed 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.
See this meta-analysis from Cambridge University Press on how stories and art can make us feel better. Or get in touch at the link below.
“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.”
In this podcast interview, I chat with Dr. Kevin Pho about the benefits of expressive writing and journaling for caregivers and healthcare clinicians.
Testimonials from Organizations, Participants
“Thank you for your work on Saturday’s session, I think it went really well. I found the discussion and time very restorative.”
What Workshop Topic Would Work for You?
Writing for Comfort and Joy - During these tough and contentious times, 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.
The Object(s) of My Affection - In this generative workshop, we will use treasured keepsakes or beloved books, photos or knickknacks as a jumping off point to write a memoir essay or story. This essay, The Pale Green Teapot, is a fine example of using an object as our gateway into the deeper story.
Start Your New Year Off “Write:” After the holiday season, it can be hard to get back into or 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.
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.”