As humans, we all know pain. In this class, we will explore how intentionally putting words on the page can help us connect with healing. The word “heal” comes from the old English hǣlan (meaning “”cure; save; make whole, sound and well.”). While writing may not cure or save us from physical or emotional ailments, writing can help us move toward wholeness. In this class we explore how the page can be a container for painful experiences, a doorway to refuge, and bridge to meaning. There will be ample time for in-class writing and opportunities to receive strengths-based feedback on work from the instructor. This class is for all humans. No matter your writing experience or lived experience, you will find a soft place to land in this class and leave with practices that will support you on your creative, healing path.
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Claire Coenen (M.S.W., M.Ed., M.T.S.) is a writer and facilitator with a passion for sharing the renewing and liberating powers of the creative process with her community. Claire’s first collection of poems, The Beautiful Keeps Breathing (Kelsay Books, 2024), explores themes of imaginative power, loss, and healing. Claire is the director of Sophia's Center for the Healing Arts, a local gathering space, which offers classes that encourage creative self-expression through practices such as generative writing, SoulCollage®, yoga, and dreamwork.
"Claire is uniquely talented at empowering others to pursue a spark."
"Claire created a welcoming space for writers to delve into very difficult topics. She created this container with abundant compassion and thoughtfulness. She is clearly passionate about the intersection of healing and writing."
"Claire is a generous teacher who shares a deep well of inspiration and resources. She creates a safe place to explore the work of healing through writing."
