Last Monday, conversations@efryomson held an interactive presentation with Geri Chavis on writing for growth and healing. This guest speaker was specifically chosen to compliment the growing interest in creative writing for wellness within the MFA program.
Butler MFA students are currently sharing their creative writing expertise in outreach projects with high school students, seniors, and hospital employees. They’ve seen first-hand the therapeutic powers of writing. Chavis’ experience in this field was an invaluable resource to students interested in writing therapy. Chavis is a professor of English at St. Catherine University, Minnesota, a Licensed Psychologist in private practice, and a Certified Poetry Therapist and poetry therapy mentor/supervisor. She is a former Vice President of the National Association for Poetry Therapy (NAPT) and is an Editorial Board member of the Journal for Poetry Therapy.
After explaining the many benefits of therapeutic writing groups, strategies for creating a successful session, and tips for management, Chavis conducted an example of her writing sessions. As with all of her writing groups, she encouraged participants to write to discover and made an invitation to share. In addition to sharing break-through moments in her practice, she also gave practical advice about leading a therapeutic writing session. Most left invigorated and inspired to get involved with helping the Indianapolis community through writing.