Writing to heal: Expressive writing with the Toronto Writers Collective webinar

The Toronto Writers Collective (TWC), with the support of Family Councils of Ontario and the Rotary Club of Toronto, is presenting an introductory workshop on Thursday, May 13 between 2:00-4:30 pm.

The TWC has provided two series of successful workshops over the past year for FCO members. This webinar is an opportunity to learn more about the program, how expressive writing can help family caregivers navigate, cope with, and recover from the pandemic crisis. The webinar will include a demonstration of the expressive writing process so come prepared with a pen & paper!

Also, you can learn how to become an expressive writing workshop facilitator! The first facilitator training session will be June 4-6 so this is a great opportunity to learn if this will be a good fit for you! Learn more about becoming a facilitator: torontowriterscollective.ca/become-a-volunteer-facilitator/

** part of the webinar will be recorded (the overview and Q & A). The expressive writing demonstration will not be in order to protect the confidentiality of participants and the safety of the experience.

About the presenters

Doug Grundman (he/him)

Doug Grundman, Toronto Writers Collective Lead-Facilitator, has been associated with the TWC since its inception. His appreciation for the power and significance of words has always shared a passion in his life with a sense of empathy for the unheard.

Marion Korn

Marion is a Family Mediator and retired Family Lawyer, who trained lawyers and family specialists in Canada and abroad to provide a dignified service to divorcing families. She is the author of a book, When Harry Left Sally a guide for couples separating later in life.

Memoirist and writer, travel enthusiast, avid walker, she enjoys facilitating writing workshops.

About the TWC

TWC is a charitable organization that inspires exploratory writing in community to empower voice, celebrate story, and change the world. Workshops are delivered by some of the more than 250 trained volunteer facilitators in partnership with over 100 social service and community organizations. Through writing together and deeply listening to one another - participants find a place for expression, discover and cultivate their voice, inspire others with their stories, and celebrate diversity within their community.

Feedback from past expressive writing participants

"The workshop was a welcome reprieve from the harsh realities of life. It provided a safe environment for those sharing a common painful experience to focus on other matters. It developed and allowed self expression in a writer's creative world.” (FCO writer)

"Each of the participants reported that they not only enjoyed the experience, but also grew as people. They’ve even become friends and continue to meet and support each other months after the workshops ended. I know that caregivers are special people and have an incredible capacity to give and receive support from their peers, but the depth of their connection has blown me away. Participating in the workshops has changed their lives and improved their ability to be effective caregivers as well as care for themselves. Now more than ever I am convinced that the expressive writing workshops are the best way to process and begin to heal from the trauma of COVID-19.” (FCO Executive Director, Samantha Peck)