A reflective writing supervision group for members of St Luke’s Hospice Bereavement Service, Sheffield

Facilitated by Kate Thompson MA working in partnership with Penny Merrett

Therapeutic journal writing has been frequently been used with counseling clients. The purpose of this group was to look at journal writing as a method of self-supervision for counsellors and support workers in a bereavement service. The group used various core journal therapy techniques, some of which they shared in the sessions. Outcomes included increased confidence in using journal writing with clients, increased understanding of themselves as counsellors and incidences of personal growth. Another benefit of the sessions was enhanced cohesion of the team.

To read the final report download it here Report in PDF format.

Therapeutic Journal Writing has been developing in the US for over 20 years. Journal Therapy is defined as: ‘the purposeful and intentional use of reflective writing to further mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health and wellness’ Kathleen Adams, director, Center for Journal Therapy. The key words are: Structure, Pacing and Containment.

About Kate Thompson MA:

Kate is a BACP senior accredited Supervisor & Counsellor, journal therapist, writer and vice-chair of Lapidus. She trained in London and in the United States at The Center for Journal Therapy with Kathleen Adams with whom she continues to collaborate. She has given invited talks and trainings on journal therapy in the UK and the US and has published articles & book chapters on the subject. With Gillie Bolton & Victoria Field she edited Writing Works (Jessica Kingsley Publishers). www.journaltherapy.co.uk “Journal therapy brings together my first degree in English, my experience as a therapist and my passion for writing.”