Aims:
- Provide a safe, confidential space, online for one-to-one reflective writing to take place.
- Experience creative and reflective writing techniques as a process for self-reflection.
- Develop a safe and secure self-container for reflective writing, knowing when not to write and when to seek additional support.
- Learn writing techniques including creative and expressive writing, journaling, biblio-inspo, writing your Self and meaning of metaphor.
- Identify how you can regularly build reflective writing into your life to aid self-help and improve emotional wellbeing.
Outcomes:
- An understanding of how reflective writing techniques can be used to improve self-exploration.
- An understanding of how reflective writing techniques can support self-growth and development.
- Individual benefits of incorporating reflective writing techniques regularly into daily life.
Course Outline
Week One: How to write reflectively, safely and securely.
An exploration of expressive and free writing techniques, alongside writing a safe container and how to keep contained when recalling painful or traumatic experiences.
Week Two: Writing the Self
Building on expressive technique, we will explore the benefits of journaling and how to use writing prompts to create and connect with self-knowledge.
Week Three: Bilbio-Inspo
Taking inspiration from written passage and poetry, we will use free writing technique to identify what speaks to you. Focusing on these outcomes, you will create your own piece of prose or poetry from what has inspired you.
Week Four: Meaning of Metaphor
Using guided visualisation, together we will safely explore the meaning of metaphor in reflective writing. Metaphorical thinking offers the opportunity to free associate and access unconscious messages, which in turn can offer self-knowledge.
Tutoring
You will be given a small amount of reading for us to explore at each session. Writing exercises will occur during the session, plus an optional writing exercise between sessions which can be shared the following week. However, writing is a private matter and there is no obligation to share what you have written with me. Discussing the process of how and when you write can be equally beneficial in reflecting.
* NB: Although many forms of writing can have a therapeutic effect, what I offer is NOT therapeutic writing, counselling, or psychotherapy. If any of our work together brings about feelings, thoughts or fears which may require further support, I will direct you to appropriate services. Please see my terms and conditions page for further information.
Lisa Hill 