Expressive Art & Writing Workshops

"Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.” – William Wordsworth

"This workshop is a rare experience of creativity, healing, and connection. Through poems, writing, and stories, the class offers a peaceful retreat to be seen and heard. Supported by the courage of others to be vulnerable and tell their stories, we recognize the similarity in journeys and build a sense of worthiness within ourselves. Thank you, Joyce, for cultivating courage, creativity, and storytelling sustenance." – Bess

"I loved the Write from the Heart therapeutic writing class. It was such a safe place to explore my deep feelings of hurt and betrayal. I had tried keeping a journal to help me process all the pain I was going through but things just got so heavy, I couldn’t even write about them. WFTH really helped me tap into a part of my soul that needed a voice and I was able to identify and begin to process that seemingly endless grief. During this class, I began to see a side of myself that I have grown to love. I began to find myself as an individual. Once I identified my feelings, I was able to move forward. I told a friend that I feel like this class helped me more than all my two years of therapy sessions combined. Even though this isn’t “therapy”, it is therapeutic and Joyce did a fantastic job facilitating. She never “counseled” us or “gave advice” but instead, created a space where we could find our own path to healing. And I am happy to say, after this wonderful class, my feet are solidly on that path." – Kathy P, Castle Rock, CO

"I want you all to know that I have done Joyce’s class twice. Yes, twice! She is a talented leader and provides materials that are magical. For those of you who are looking for a creative outlet, one that will lead you to deep thought and reflection, Write From the Heart is just that. I found it to be truly one of the most healing things I have done for myself." – Julia L

"This was such a nice change in approach for a therapeutic outlet. Joyce has such a gentle and accepting way of guiding everyone. I enjoyed hearing everyone else’s writings. Whether we struggled, laughed or just connected with each reading I think we all looked forward to trying to process everything differently." – RG

"I took the workshop and found myself feeling lighter after each session. It was at first scary to share but within the first two classes, the echoes of my own experience in other woman’s words and voices lifted me up. Joyce was a great facilitator and guide through the writing process. She read to us, gave us prompts as well as insights into allowing our words to flow. She was supportive but never controlling. She allowed us each space in the group."

"Everything about the sessions are marked by gentleness, the surroundings, the participants, the process, our facilitator Joyce. A wonderful added dimension is what happens within the group ... there is a special bonding that occurs and a unique form of friendship is created. I can’t put into words ... it has to be experienced!" – Pat L, Montreal, QC

"The Write From Your Heart workshop experience brought to the surface some emotions and unconscious thoughts that surprised me. That experience was in a way cathartic. The shared emotions in each of the participants’ writing was also healing. Joyce’s leadership, choice of prompts and her empathetic approach makes the experience highly recommended." – Jess

"While this group may attract some women who are writers, or would-be writers, it's really for everyone. It's much more about self-expression than the mechanics of writing. You learn to express yourself freely, not worrying about where your pen is taking you. Joyce, and the other group members, are so supportive!" – Participant

“What a magnificent group of women who shared your stories in such a heartfelt way each week. Joyce thank you for skillfully providing us a safe space. The poems you chose seemed to be sprinkled with fairy dust and opened up our vulnerabilities with a pinch of magic. It was always a delight to share in the experience of what flowed from our minds onto the page.” – ES

From Writing Alone and With Others by Pat Schneider

“We are all connected to one another and to the mystery at the heart of the universe through our strange and marvelous ability to create words. When we write, we create, and when we offer our creation to one another, we close the wound of loneliness and may participate in healing the broken world. Our words, our truth, our imagining, our dreaming, may be the best gifts we have to give.” – Participant

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Affiliations: Cummings Centre for Seniors, AMI-Québec, Sedona Counselling Centre, Amherst Writers & Artists, Writers Collective of Canada, Runaway Husbands Community, Eleanor London Public Library, City of Côte Saint-Luc Recreation Department, The Art Hive Network, The Miriam Foundation

Certifications: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Concordia University; Certified Life Coach (PPCC) Concordia University; Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA) facilitator; Writers Collective of Canada (WCC) facilitator; SoulCollage® facilitator; AMI-Québec (Allies in Mental Health) associate; Founder of the Côte Saint-Luc Art Hive: a community art studio that welcomes everyone as an artist.