Our stories matter; those that have been told, those that haven’t and those that we might not even have the words for yet.

After a difficult, overwhelming or traumatic experience, we can be left feeling powerless, without voice, language or agency. Research shows that traumatic events can immobilise those regions of the brain which we need to put words to our experiences, and therefore understand them. For those of us with a history of trauma, writing can be a valuable catalyst for healing and recovery. Through writing, we can begin to cultivate linguistic control over the trauma and reorganise our story, in the supportive presence of like-minded peers

Using a trauma-informed writing methodology, the Write Your Self programme helps participants to reclaim their voice through writing. Our eight-step writing process includes key knowledge about trauma, trauma-sensitive writing exercises, as well as tools and resources to help writers find out what they need to create a sustainable and healing writing practice in the longer-term. Write Your Self is an organisation based in Sweden and their educational programme has a global reach. 

Who is this course for? Would it be suitable for me?

In short, it’s for everyone. You do not have to call yourself a writer to join the programme, the only pre-requisite is that you’re interested in the idea of using creative writing as a therapeutic tool for your own wellbeing. Whilst the programme was created specifically for trauma survivors, you do not need to describe yourself in this way to take part. We work on the principle that trauma, as an experience, is defined and determined solely by the individual – what might be traumatic for one person may not be for another, and we respect and acknowledge this. The programme can also support us to write about a broad range of experiences, not necessarily traumatic, but which can still leave us feeling silenced – for example grief, serious illness, war, discrimination and bullying.

What does the course involve?

Here is a brief breakdown of the modules that we will be covering on the Foundation Programme.* All sessions run 6–8pm UK Time.

Session 1: A Room of One’s Own (18/9/24) In our first session, we will get to know each other better and start to consider what conditions we need individually, and collectively, to write safely and effectively.

Session 2: Begin Writing (25/9/24) In this session we will try out gentle, introductory writing exercises to lay the foundations for our practice. We will specifically explore stream of consciousness writing as a tool for accessing our authentic voice, granting us permission to write with more freedom.

Session 3: Self-care (2/10/24) In our third session together, we will review the importance of taking care of ourselves, emotionally and physically, as we write and grow as writers.

Session 4: The Writing Body (9/10/24) This week we will consider the idea that our bodies can be keepers of unwritten and unspoken stories that are waiting to be heard. Through various exercises, we turn to our bodies and enlist their help with writing our story.

Session 5: Experimenting with Genre and Form (16/10/24) In session five we will experiment with different genres and play around with various narrative perspectives as a way of further elevating our writing. We will look at the reasons why weaving our own stories into fiction or poetry, for example, could have therapeutic value.

Session 6: Developing a Writing Archive (23/10/24) This week, each writer will create their own personal writing archive. This is a live, on-going record or document of writing topics, ideas or even memories that a writer might wish to examine further, in their own time and at their own pace.

Session 7: Creating Wholeness (30/10/24) As we head towards the end of the programme, we reflect on our progress so far and delve deeper into the research that has been done in the area of therapeutic writing. In this session we also look at the significance of tense in our writing and healing.

Session 8: Expressing the Wordless (6/11/24) In our final session, we bring together our learning, celebrate our resilience and lean on our community of writing peers to find the motivation that we need to keep writing our stories, especially those that seem to transcend language.

*Please note that each certified Write Your Self guide will deliver the course slightly differently and will have made their own adaptations. I continue to evolve the structure, format, content and learning materials over time and in line with participant feedback. Each session description is my own interpretation and development of the original methodology.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I have to write about trauma during the course?

Absolutely not. You decide what your writing subjects will be, always. Many participants choose not to write about the trauma they’ve experienced, at least to begin with.

How many places are available?

This programme offers a maximum of 15 places. Groups are closed and kept relatively small to ensure a quality learning experience for all participants, where everyone receives adequate space and time to develop their writing practice.

Will I be expected to share my writing with others?

No, there is absolutely no expectation for you to read aloud or share anything about the content of your writing. The programme is built upon and incorporates trauma-informed principles at all times – this means that you alone will decide your level of participation. All contributions have value, even if that’s listening.

Is this course considered a treatment for trauma?

This programme is not a substitute or replacement for any type of counselling, psychotherapy, mental health care or clinical trauma treatment. It is, however, intended to work in tandem with those treatments. Though I am a therapist, when I deliver the programme I offer an educational space, not group therapy. Here, our focus is writing. Throughout the programme you are responsible for your own self-care. If you are struggling with your mental health, feeling overwhelmed, or have very recently experienced a traumatic event, please consider seeking professional support before enrolling.

What you’ll receive as part of the course fee:

• two hours of live learning each week with a group of peers on zoom
• high-quality workbooks that run alongside the live sessions, which can be completed digitally or printed out
• regular writing prompts to try out between sessions to deepen your practice and to maintain momentum with your writing
• meaningful feedback on your writing from the tutor and your peers
• a recommended reading list, as well as links to other useful resources, e.g. articles, videos and podcasts
• a fixed space each week dedicated to your personal and professional development
• access to a writing community that you can stay in touch with (if you choose to) – for example, you might like to come together as a group to write and share your work after the programme has finished
• a sustainable writing practice that you can continue to use in the future to support your wellbeing.

Subsidised places and paying in instalments

There are a limited number of subsidised places for participants on low incomes, priced at £175. If you would like to apply, please email katiewatsonpsychotherapy@gmail.com with a short explanation of why you need this spot. You do not need to provide any form of proof or documentation.

I also accept payments in instalments. These can be set up in any way that suits your budget. Please contact me to arrange on katiewatsonpsychotherapy@gmail.com

Other information

The course will run with a minimum of 8 writers, and a maximum of 15. Please read the Terms and Conditions below before making a booking.

The zoom link for the course will be sent out to the email you booked with, one week before the course begins. If you haven't received the link by then, please email katiewatsonpsychotherapy@gmail.com

What people say about Katie:

“A very enriching and healing experience.”

“I think the course was true to its description. It was a good integration of theory, experimental learning with an increased level of shared reflection time for members who chose to pursue this. A great deal of emphasis was put on safety and choice and this too was appreciated. We were given lots of support between sessions and a variety of media to explore our writing from. Katie, you were generous, thoughtful, boundaried, clear, consistent and respectful of all our needs. A fantastic communicator and enabler who was inspiring to work with. The writing exercises were varied and related to the theme of each week’s workshop. I felt the format suited Zoom well.”

“I have learnt that I can write. I was very nervous about writing before I did this course. I actually didn’t enjoy it. Now, I am. I’m enjoying watching my writing and myself flourish as I go on.”

“Thank you Katie for a wonderful course. I feel that I am at the start of an exciting adventure through writing! Thanks for holding the space so well for everyone…you are a marvellous and inspiring role model.”

“The content was rich, stimulating and appropriate to our needs. The structure was clear and regular so that we knew what to expect. As a participant, I liked that regularity as it gave me a framework within which I felt safe when I wrote. I found the powerpoint presentations of high quality and a great accompaniment to the course which was delivered online.”

“Really amazing course leading. Thank you.”

About your tutor

For the past decade, I have worked in the charitable sector in Manchester with vulnerable and disadvantaged adults within settings such as prisons, addiction agencies, women's centres and further education. I am also a qualified teacher and absolutely love working with groups. In 2017, I was awarded a scholarship to train as a trauma-informed writing guide for Write Your Self, a global writing movement aimed at supporting  people to reclaim their stories after experiencing trauma. I was the first guide based in the UK to be trained in the methodology.

I have a long-standing interest in trauma, inspired by the people I have supported over the years as well as my own lived experiences. I am also a published writer, and in 2017, I was runner-up in Mslexia's prestigious women's poetry competition. Receiving the scholarship fused these two areas of interest and passion together for me perfectly, and I have been running therapeutic writing groups in-person and online ever since.

I currently have a private psychotherapy practice based in Liverpool and online, and I use Transactional Analysis (TA) as my main way of working. I have volunteered as a therapist for the award-winning LGBT Foundation in Manchester and served on the board of trustees for Manchester Rape Crisis for 7 years, an incredible charity very close to my heart. 

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Terms & Conditions
By booking a place on this course, you agree to the following Terms and Conditions.

Payments:
• Your booking will not be complete until the full course fee has been paid to the organiser.
This applies to both full price and subsidised places, and those opting to pay in instalments.
The full course fee must be paid by the course start date, unless otherwise agreed with the
organiser.

• If you book your place with a deposit payment (usually £35), please note this is non-
refundable.

• If there are outstanding fees to be paid by the course start date, the organiser reserves the
right to offer your place to another participant and will not issue a refund.

Cancellations & refunds:
• If you decide to cancel your booking, you will need to provide at least 30 days’ notice before
the course begins to receive a full refund. If your cancellation is made in less than 30 days of
the course start date, the organiser will retain your course fee in full. Exceptions can be
made if the organiser finds another participant to take your place before the course start
date.

• In the rare event that the organiser needs to cancel this course, alternative course dates will
be offered in the first instance. If these are not suitable for you, the full fee will be returned
to you (or any instalments that have been paid at the time of cancellation). Please note that
if you have made special arrangements to attend the course (e.g. travel or accommodation),
these costs remain with you and will not be covered by the organiser in the event of
cancellation or postponement. It is advisable that you arrange appropriate insurance at the
point of booking to ensure you are covered.

• In the rare event that a single course session is cancelled by the organiser, an alternative
date will be offered but no refunds shall be given.

• If you decide to leave a course once it has started, no refunds shall be given. By booking and
paying for your place on the course, you are demonstrating a commitment to attending for
the full duration. The organiser is not obligated to allow deferrals onto future programmes
for missed sessions due to illness or any other reason.

• The organiser will not offer refunds for single sessions that are missed due to illness or any
other reason.

• No refunds shall be given to participants that are asked to leave a course because of
discriminatory, abusive or disruptive behaviour.

Use of data:
• When booking, the organiser will collect your full name and email address. This will not be
shared with any third parties and will only be utilised for correspondence regarding your
place on the course or to promote future courses. You can be asked for these details to be
removed at any point by contacting katiewatsonpsychotherapy@gmail.com