Wellbeing

“Life is a balance between holding on and letting go” — Rumi

Introduction

My passion is to harness the healing power of creativity to support wellbeing, resilience, and authentic connection.

With over 30 years’ experience first as an artist, writer, poet, and playwright, and then eighteen years of practice, working and collaborating wellbeing practise throughout, my different projects and settings,

As a creative writing consultant I have worked extensively in schools, communities, universities, and corporate environments both in the UK and internationally.

My practice is rooted in inclusivity and collaboration, blending creative practice with emotional awareness. I foster a safe space that is calm and open. A space to listen, to write, and to find meaning in the moments that shape us — individually and together. A space where people feel free to explore and express without judgement.

Each session balances structure with creativity, offering time to think, write and share. No experience is needed. Just honesty, curiosity and the willingness to explore your story. Writing for wellbeing is not about producing perfect work. It’s about finding your voice — and using it with courage, compassion and clarity.

Whether I’m working with students, teams or communities, the heart of the work remains the same; to build confidence, connection, and a deeper sense of self through words.

Writing as a Tool

Writing for wellbeing is a gentle invitation — to pause, reflect and reconnect with who we are. Through writing, we create space to explore identity, emotion and belonging in a world that’s constantly changing. Writing becomes the space where healing, clarity, and personal empowerment can take root. Anyone can do this; in a world where our thinking and thoughts are very much taken over by the pressure of media and modern-day life this is a space to reflect, slowdown and heal.

Writing for Wellbeing

Michelle provide a diverse and inclusive range of writing for wellbeing experiences, designed to support emotional insight, creativity, and connection across personal, educational, and professional settings:

  • Group Workshops. Facilitated sessions for groups to explore writing as a tool for reflection, communication, and emotional wellbeing.

  • One-to-One Sessions. Personalised writing support for individuals in need of a private, safe, and creative space to express and explore their thoughts.

  • Writing Retreats. Immersive, focused environments virtual or in-person—where participants can disconnect from daily distractions and engage deeply with their creative and emotional processes.

  • Clear Out Your Closet sessions ( 6 sessions). Introducing the concept and practise of spoken word in 6 2-hour sessions, throughout guided writing sessions, why we begin the journey of: I am, We Are, what if, My Voice, Clear Out Your closet - incorporating shadow work, exploring the parts of ourselves, we usually keep tucked away.

  • Collaborative Workshops with other artists. Including painters, textile artists, and musicians to merge writing with visual and performing arts. These partnerships enrich the experience, offering participants multiple entry points for self-expression and creativity.

  • Bespoke workshops. Every setting is different, and I tailor the experience to meet the needs of the group.

This Work Matters

These workshops provide a powerful ground for authenticity, and connection where individuals and teams can:

  • Build emotional intelligence

  • Foster trust and mutual understanding

  • Deepen interpersonal relationships

  • Celebrate diverse voices and lived experiences

Whether you're looking to energise a team or connect with your workforce better, Michelle’s writing for wellbeing programmes offer a transformative experience.

Benefits of Writing for Wellbeing

Creative writing puts you back in the centre of your world. You are the key to unlocking your wellbeing. This work has benefits far beyond the space of workshops and the act or writing:

  • Reduces Emotional Symptoms. Writing can serve as a form of expressive therapy, allowing individuals to process and cope with difficult emotions or experiences. This can lead to a reduction in symptoms associated with stress, anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

  • Boosts Happiness. Expressive writing has been linked to increased feelings of happiness and overall well-being. By expressing thoughts and emotions on paper, individuals may experience a sense of catharsis and emotional release, leading to a more positive outlook on life.

  • Stimulates Creativity. Engaging in creative writing encourages individuals to think outside the box, explore new ideas, and expand their creative repertoire.

  • Improves Communication Skills. Regular writing practice can sharpen communication skills, including written expression, clarity of thought, and articulation of ideas. These skills are valuable not only in personal journaling but also in professional settings such as business communication, academic writing, and creative endeavours.

  • Reduces Stress. Writing has been shown to have stress-reducing effects by providing a constructive outlet for processing emotions and external stressors. Activities such as journaling or writing poetry can help individuals gain perspective on their challenges and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

  • Promotes Self-Reflection and Growth. Writing encourages introspection and self-reflection, allowing individuals to gain insights into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Through writing, people can track their personal growth over time, set goals, and cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves.

  • Improves Memory Function. Writing regularly, whether it's journaling, storytelling, or   any other form of writing, can incite cognitive processes related to memory. Organising thoughts into written words, requires the brain to retrieve information, which can strengthen memory pathways.

At its heart, this work is always about people — and the stories that connect us.

Example 7 session programme

Session 1 – I AM

  • We begin by coming home to ourselves. Establishing a safe space,

  • A space for grounding, honesty and self-discovery — to ask Who am I in this changing world?

Workshop 2 – WE ARE

  • From self to collective. Team building and working collectively together.

  • Here, we explore connection, belonging and the strength found in shared stories.

Workshop 3 – HATS

  • The many roles we play, redefining our worth

  • An invitation to pause and look at how we define ourselves through our responsibilities, and how to value what lies beneath them.

Workshop 4 – AT THE TOP OF MY MOUNTAIN?

  • Finding and using our voice.

  • A space for bold expression — poetry that speaks from the soul, and words that stand for something.

Workshop 5 – BURIED TREASURE

  • Remembering and release.

  • We travel back through memory, reflection and emotion — finding what’s worth keeping and what we’re ready to let go of.

Workshop 6 – THE LETTER

  • A message across time, mediative reflection 

  • Gentle, reflective writing — a moment to connect with the wisdom of our past or future selves.

Workshop 7 – THIS TIME

  • A celebration of growth.

  • We end with reflection and gratitude, honouring everything we’ve learned along the way.

 

Email or call Michelle if you would like to talk about organising wellbeing writing sessions or a full programme for your organisation.

Contact Michelle