Welcome from Karen...
Hello ... and thank you for visiting my website and blogs. Writing and working in this field is truly a joy for me. It took a leap of faith but as one of my favourite writers, Annie Dillard noted, "You can’t test courage cautiously, so I ran hard, and waved my arms hard, happy".
May you too run with courage as you write your way towards your best hopes and bravest dreams,
Karen.
Q: What's it all about?
A: Writing for well-being - also called expressive or reflective writing, and writing for therapeutic purposes - can be an enriching and rewarding route to self-discovery and self-expression; to greater resilience and confidence, and to gaining insight and perspective. It can be for both your personal and professional development. We use a range of creative exercises with words, poetry, images or objects, in an inclusive, supportive and respectful environment.
Q: Is it for only 'Real Writers'? I'm not good with the written word.
A: I think of everyone as a real writer ! You don't need any prior writing experience - whatever and however you choose to write, will be the right thing for you. Just be curious and willing to explore, connect and write within a group or one-to-one setting. Feel free to use images, symbols and designs as well as words.
Our focus is on what you want to express, not on spelling and grammar, or judgments about good/bad. So give yourself permission to turn down the volume on any critical voices that might still haunt you from your school days or from others.
Listen instead to the power and beauty of your own words!
Q: What if English is not my first language?
A: Our sessions are in English and you're welcome to write in any language or accent you choose.
Q: Is there any evidence that this stuff actually helps?
A: Lots! Hundreds of research studies over more than 30 years have highlighted the benefits of therapeutic or expressive writing /writing for well-being. And it's now recognised by health care professionals as an important part of 'social prescribing' - arts, cultural and community-based activities to enhance our mental and physical health. Read more about a UK government initiative to encourage social prescribing, and a study into the benefits of writing for young people.
About Me
writing
Personal and PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINer
Personal and PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINer
I’ve loved writing and reading since I was old enough to hold a pencil and a page; it’s what drew me into a long career in journalism and led to all kinds of writing over many years – biography, reportage, news and features, arts writing, poetry. Even when not writing for publication or work, I’ve written for pleasure and discovery.
I ha
I’ve loved writing and reading since I was old enough to hold a pencil and a page; it’s what drew me into a long career in journalism and led to all kinds of writing over many years – biography, reportage, news and features, arts writing, poetry. Even when not writing for publication or work, I’ve written for pleasure and discovery.
I have worked as a journalist in print, television and radio, including in New Zealand, the UK and the US. I enjoyed a long career at the BBC, as a journalist, editor and training manager. Among my published and broadcast writings are articles and features on news, current affairs, the arts and cultural issues, and several books including biographies of Joni Mitchell and Kirsty MacColl; I've co-written a memoir of a British woman's life in Saddam Hussein's Iraq; and I interviewed many prominent and diverse women musicians for my book, 'Hymn to Her' (Virago).
Personal and PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINer
Personal and PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINer
Personal and PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINer
I have extensive experience of creating and delivering personal and professional development training to groups and individuals including workshops in writing for well-being, resilience, confidence, personal effectiveness; counselling skills and bereavement support; leadership/management training; editorial skills and standards; and diversity.
Writing for well-being Counselling
Personal and PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINer
Writing for well-being Counselling
I'm a qualified counsellor and writing therapist. I have a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (City Lit, London); an MSc in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes; (Metanoia Institute/Middlesex University, London); a Practitioner Certificate in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes (Metanoia Institute) and a Practice Certificate
I'm a qualified counsellor and writing therapist. I have a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (City Lit, London); an MSc in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes; (Metanoia Institute/Middlesex University, London); a Practitioner Certificate in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes (Metanoia Institute) and a Practice Certificate in Single-Session Therapy (Temenos, UK).
I am an Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and a member of Lapidus International, the writing for well-being organisation. I was a long-time voluntary counsellor for Cruse Bereavement Care, UK.