Therapeutic writing groups in Toronto

Therapeutic writing groups provide a healing environment for participants to express themselves through writing and to partake in the writing of other group members. This shared creativity can offer personal growth opportunities adjunctive to individual therapy. It is not a writing skills development forum. It is a therapeutic process facilitated by a medical doctor specializing in psychotherapy.

The 2022 September Therapeutic Writing Retreat-Day-in-the-City is full. Retreat days take place in a beautiful space in the fashion district in downtown Toronto. Further fall 2022 dates will be posted soon, as well as information on space if available.

In terms of feedback on your writing, I steer strongly away from advice-giving, and instead promote a compassionate atmosphere of expressing, listening, and sharing. And, feedback is not on the quality of writing per se, but on the content, and the way one relates to the writing of others and such. My approach is eclectic, but quite strongly rooted in a mindfulness-based approach.

If you are interested in an upcoming session, and there is space available, I meet with prospective clients for a 45-minute, OHIP-covered intake session. This is undertaken to ensure that the endeavor can be a good fit for client needs. Click here to inquire.

Peer-supported writing and Balint groups

I facilitate a monthly peer support group for physicians practicing palliative care, and previously I facilitated for a group of inner city health physicians. Based on the Balint Method – a process psychoanalyst Michael Balint developed to support the well-being of doctors – participants share, from the perspective of their own experience, about key clinical encounters, in a confidential environment. This form of storytelling, with reflective feedback from colleagues, fosters a sense of support and connection. 

I am also available to facilitate similar groups, including those using writing as a forum for sharing, in an array of settings for health care providers and other caregiving professionals, tailored to the specific needs of the organization. Click here to inquire.

Supportive e-writing process

I offer a private service by e-mail where I offer supportive feedback with respect to writing done for the process of healing. Because a proper therapeutic process is difficult to support with electronic communication alone, this is offered only as an informal adjunct to clients already having face-to-face professional psychotherapy services in place elsewhere.

An introductory meeting is conducted to ensure that the offering is a fit for each client’s needs, and then a process of sharing by clients and reflective, insight-based feedback is offered to clients in a timely manner. There is also an opportunity for further phone conversations as needed. Click here to inquire.