Writing Group for Healing
I am new to this so I don't know whether this is the appropriate place for this topic to be discussed. I saw "stories" listed in the IONS "knowledge base" but I haven't read any of it so I don't know how it might fit or be helpful. If this is not the appropriate place for what I'm about to say would someone please guide me to the correct place. I've recently been watching the newly revived "Bill Moyers Journal" on PBS and it struck me that the topic one evening was what I need but don't know how to begin. I thought someone in this sage audience might read this and give me some ideas. The Moyers Journal I'm referring to was about writing groups for vets. They were originally started for Viet Nam Vets but now are helpful to vets returning from Iraq. I'm not a war vet. Far from it. However I have experienced a lot of physical trauma, physical and emotional pain as well as Fibromyalgia. I believe a writing group as described on this program for trauma survivors would be helpful to me. I know from previous experience that telling our stories is healing. I've had a lot of psychotherapy and healed a great deal. I've been in different kinds of support groups but have never been in a writing group. I love to write and can express myself better in writing than verbally. I've organized and facilitated several kinds of groups but not a writing group.(If you read my Bio you'll see that I started an IONS Community Group which we held in my home and I was the IONS Coordinator for four years.) I discussed a writing group with the P.A. in the pain clinic I've been going to for the past year. She is very knowledgable and encouraged me to start a writing group. She said there is a great need for this in the area in which I live. I asked her if I needed a professional to facilitate this kind of group and she said no. In the past I started groups via word of mouth and had written material to guide me. I have neither of these for this kind of group. So how do I begin? Can this forum help me? Can IONS help me? I am open to any ideas.
Thank you,
Linda (Retired due to health challenges, RN, BS, HNC)
