This four-week, trauma-informed memoir class is designed for writers who feel called to explore personal experience with courage, care, and craft. Whether you are just beginning to approach difficult material or returning to a story you’ve carried for years, this workshop offers a structured, supportive space to write at your own pace.
Grounded in the principles of safety, choice, collaboration, trust, and empowerment, our work together prioritizes your emotional well-being as much as your artistic growth. You won't be pressured to share more than you wish. We focus not on disclosure for its own sake, but on agency; how to shape experience into story on your terms.
Over four weeks, we will:
Each week includes craft instruction, guided writing prompts, optional sharing, and optional feedback focused on clarity, resonance, and strength. You’ll leave with new pages, practical tools for sustaining difficult work, and a deeper understanding of how story-making can be both artful and restorative.
This class is ideal for writers seeking depth, nuance, and integrity in their personal storytelling—especially those who value a warm, thoughtful, and psychologically informed container.
No prior workshop experience required. All that’s needed is curiosity, compassion for yourself, and a willingness to begin.
NOTE: Class will skip the week of June 30th.
Christina Berke is a Chilean-American writer and a trauma-informed educator. Her work is in The Sun, Off Assignment, Khora and elsewhere. She is the inaugural Carol Shields Prize Foundation Residency Fellow. More at www.christinaberke.com.
"Christina is a wonderful instructor. I appreciated her intentionality in her selection of readings, and the ways that she guided us in working through examples and applying the principles to our own creative work."
"Christina made me feel so welcomed and really sparked wonderful discussions among the students. She inspired me to write more and I am really grateful she taught the class."
"Christina Berke has such a calm, encouraging approach to the virtual classroom. She helps students feel present, and helps them feel her presence, through careful planning, guidance, and sweet extras. So much care and attention goes into her classes. Highly recommend!"
