My Mission
Expressive writing and journaling are proven to be healing and transformative. I believe writing, stories and words nourish us and change the world. This is why my heartfelt mission is to support and inspire people around the world to go to the page. Expressive writing helps us rest in our own worth, tap into joy, increase clarity, open our hearts and changes lives.
Writing is a Life Companion
We all go through ups and downs in life, pain and loss, victory and defeat. Some people have tools for overcoming adversity and creating success! I have used journaling and writing as a life companion, a process for developing myself and intentionally designing my life. I’ve “gone to the page” for over 30 years.
My own journaling and writing for wellness practice prevented burnout when I worked as a crisis response social worker, minimized compassion fatigue as a counsellor, brought healing to the “abandonment wound” I experienced as an adoptee, provided hope after divorce, allowed me to cope with pregnancy losses, increased my self-care at different times in my life, enabled me to grieve the loss of my father to the diminishing experience of Alzheimer’s disease and more. My writing practice is ultimately a spiritual practice that keeps me fully engaged with the power of now, supporting me to be fully present to the overarching preciousness of daily life.
To access my professional bio and media kit, please scroll to the bottom of this page!
My Experience
I bring 25 years of combined experience as a Registered Social Worker, Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, workshop designer and facilitator. I have guided thousands of people into the art, heart and science of writing for wellness and personal growth. I have witnessed many people write to heal, grow, reduce stress, come home to themselves, and transform their lives and health. Through Life Source Writing™ – my 5 step reflective journaling method – individuals experience increased clarity, improved health, more fulfillment in life and work, greater calm and inner peace. Groups of people create, connect and grow through the Writing Alone Together process. Nearly everyone experiences those all important “Aha moments”, providing breakthroughs, growth and insight. You can have this experience too!
Being a Writer
I spend hours writing for myself in the pages of my journals (process writing) and I enjoy writing for others too (public writing). I wanted to write and publish books ever since I was a young girl. I believe writing down my dream of being a published author played a big role in making it come true (we can write to manifest in our lives!).
I am the co-author, along with Wendy Judith Cutler and Ahava Shira, of Writing Alone Together: Journalling in a Circle of Women for Creativity, Compassion and Connection, as well as the co-author of the bestselling book Choosing Happiness: Inspiration for a Women’s Soul. I am the author of Life Source Writing: A 5-Step Reflective Journaling Practice for Self-Discovery, Self-Care, Wellness and Creativity and producer of the Creative Wellness Guided Meditations CD. I created the holistic Life Source Writing™ process to include meditation and visualization because they are great ways to relax and enter into writing in an inspired and centered state.
Credentials & Education
I have a Masters in Social Work (University of Northern British Columbia), Honours Bachelor in Social Work (Lakehead University) as well as a Bachelor of Arts (University of Western Ontario), and I am trained as a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach through the Coaches Training Institute (CTI).
Throughout my education, I have had a keen interest in the healing and expressive arts, positive psychology, resilience and holistic emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual health. I am lifelong learner. As a Registered Social Worker with the BC College of Social Workers, I take a minimum of 40 hours of professional development per year to enhance my knowledge and skills to better serve my clients. I have hundreds of hours of extensive training in writing and the healing arts, including a Memoir Writing residency at the Banff School of the Arts.
Excellence & Empowerment
My commitment to excellence is reflected in high quality, ethical programs, products and services grounded in best practices in the writing for wellness and expressive therapies, social work and coaching professions, respectively. I am a member of the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW), the British Columbia Association of Social Workers (BCASW), and the International Coach Federation (ICF). I work from an empowerment perspective and I believe you are always the expert of your own experience.
Affiliations & Memberships
Some of my affiliations and memberships include:
- British Columbia Association of Social Workers
- British Columbia College of Social Workers
- International Coaches Federation
- Vancouver Island Coaches Association
- Women Speakers Association
- International Association of Journal Writers
- International Association of Conscious & Creative Writers
- eWomen Network
- Federation of BC Writers
A Little More Personal
- I am a Virgo – born with a gene to serve the greater good and a need to have lots of post it notes, pens and systems for keeping things organized.
- I am an ENFJ (almost an ENFP) on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (in case this sort of thing might matter to you).
- I love going on writing retreats and taking writing courses.
- I value all things related to healing and creativity.
- I am trained in body-centered and holistic healing methods including Esalen Massage®, Reiki and Healing Touch. I work with my chakras, clearing them on a regular basis. I bring healing energy into all of my work. To heal means to make whole.
- I go for a Tarot Reading once a year. I have Angel Cards on my desk. I regularly read affirmations and inspirational quotes. What we focus on grows!
- Spending time in nature nourishes my soul.
- I like coffee shops, art galleries, book and stationary stores. I have hundreds, maybe thousands, of books. I read every day. Writing and reading are interconnected.
- I am spending more time these days with own mindfulness practices – breathing, sitting, being. Journaling is like meditating with a pen in my hand.
Walk the Talk
I live on Salt Spring Island, BC with my husband, Peter and our two sons, Jackson and Jesse, and our puppy, Sadie. I do my best to write every day because it allows me to keep feeling healthy, happy and grounded. I think of writing and journaling much like brushing my teeth, I just do both daily – because I know it is good for my health.
Gratitude
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and Creative Wellness. It would be an honour to support you in creating a Transformational Writing for Wellness practice of your own. Whether you write for yourself, or write for others, using structures, creating habits and receiving encouragement will make all the difference in your well-being and success!
If you are feeling called to write, to access your authentic voice, to expand your self-expression and make your unique mark…don’t wait, now is the perfect time to show up to yourself and your creativity!