Expressive Writing Series Begins

“I write because I don’t know what I think until I read what I say.” 
~ Flannery O’Connor

This group meets every other Monday, January 12th to March 23rd, 5:30-7:00 PM
It is open not just for women, but for everyone in the community.

The long darkness of winter can be a welcome time for turning inward; for listening to the songs of our souls and strengthening the deeper parts of ourselves that are so easily neglected during the brighter seasons. Writing can facilitate that process, especially when it is practiced regularly for expression and contemplation. The practice of free-writing has been shown by science—and by 100+ generations of human experience—to nurture mental and physical health. The same is true for spending time together, sharing, and learning in meaningful ways.

This group will meet on six winter nights – from January through March – to explore and play with various creative approaches to expressive writing and journaling.

• The main goal of these writing practices will be to increase our access to our true selves by quieting or eluding our inner editors and critics.
• The first few sessions will be guided, while the structure of later sessions could evolve as the group progresses.
• Sharing your writing will be optional. Being part of a consistent group does make it easier to connect and to share. Inspiration happens that way.
• Writing by hand – rather than on a keyboard – is strongly encouraged.
• BYO snacks, blankets, favorite old hoodie… whatever feels comfortable!

Whether you already have a writing practice or haven’t written since you were forced to do so in school, this group should be rewarding for you.

Rebecca Hunter lives in Sullivan and works as a psychotherapist. When not talking with clients or roaming the outdoors by foot, ski, and paddle, she is usually hanging out with her dogs, compulsively gardening, maintaining her old house, woods trails, and woodlot, studying depth psychology, writing, making random art, cooking, and talking with friends and family (and dogs).

Rebecca has either facilitated or participated in several expressive writing groups over the last 20 years. She often incorporates writing exercises in her therapy practice: both with clients and as a client. Her own varied writing habits are central to her daily work of living.