Welcome to Words for Wellness, a place to explore the therapeutic power of the written and spoken word. Individual and group sessions are offered in person (Sheffield, UK) and online (via Zoom).
My name is Emma Garrard. I’m a BACP Accredited Integrative Therapist, using a range of creative methods for therapeutic purposes (read more About Me here).
(Scroll to the bottom for upcoming workshops)
How do words lead to wellness?
The healing power of words through poetry and stories has been known for millennia across most, if not all, cultures (read more here: About Biblio/Poetry Therapy)
In Ancient Egypt, above the entrance to the library of King Rameses II, were the words “House of Healing for the Soul”.
Words were written on papyrus, dissolved in a solution and ingested for healing purposes; this practice is not on offer at Words for Wellness, instead there is a range of sessions available involving reading, writing and discussions (read more on Therapeutic Creative Writing Groups and Existential Reading Groups).
How does healing work if the words are not dissolved in a solution and ingested?
Words are powerful and actually work best when read, spoken or written. When read on the page or spoken aloud, created by ourselves or gifted from others, words have the power to heal and create wellness through:
Exploring and understanding our emotions
Expressing our emotions
Connecting with others
Providing comfort, soothing, consolation
Developing self-understanding, self-compassion and insight
Providing inspiration, enlightenment, guidance and liberation
Creating and discovering beauty and truth
Listen here to Dr Michael Mosely talking about “the healing power of the pen” to lift your mood, improve your immune system and give your brain a boost: BBC Radio 4 – Just One Thing – with Michael Mosley, Write It Out
If you’re curious to know more, why not book in a free, informal, 20 minute chat? You can make an enquiry here: contact me.
Upcoming workshops (booking required):
Therapeutic Creative Writing Group: Sunday 12th May 2024 (please note that this is the second Sunday of the month to avoid the bank holiday)
Theme: “On Being Enough”
“No matter what gets done and how much is done and how it’s done, I’m enough and I’m worthy of belonging and love and joy.” Brené Brown
Existential Reading Group: Sunday 19th May 2024
Book to prompt discussion: “Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier” by Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey
(Further information can be found on this website – click on the group above that you’re interested in)
My current biblio/poetry therapy training is with the International Academy of Poetry Therapy (https://iapoetry.org), which is a credentialling body, and I am a BACP Accredited Therapist with over 15 years experience
