Charmaine Pollard
Charmaine is one of only a few certified biblio-poetry therapists in the UK, trained by the International Federation for Biblio/Poetry Therapy (USA). She has a wealth of experience running therapeutic writing groups across a wide range of contexts, including schools, libraries, prisons and clinical settings.
Charmaine also specialises in combining poetry with coaching. Her innovative Writing for Resilience Coaching Programme, based on her book Writing for Resilience: Finding the Courage to Bounce Back (2021), has been transforming lives as participants raise their aspirations and move towards a more fulfilling future.
Workshop
Hope in Her Hands
During this interactive and experiential workshop, you will be introduced to a range of trauma-informed, practical resources, best-practice guidance and hands-on activities. You will leave with concrete strategies for facilitating groups focussed on the mother-daughter relationship and for exploring the meaningful relationships in your own life.
Together, we will explore how poetry can act as a springboard to spark conversation, uncover insight and illuminate the path toward hope, connection, and lasting recovery.
There is no need to worry about spelling, grammar or style.
No previous knowledge of poetry or expressive writing is required; you simply need to be willing to share, reflect and experiment with words in a supportive environment.
There is no need to worry about spelling, grammar or style.
KEYNOTE
Robert Frost said: ‘A poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom’. In this talk, Charmaine Pollard delves into the transformative power of poetry, reading, journalling and expressive writing as therapeutic tools. Her work with survivors of domestic abuse provides the backdrop for this session, which takes a sensitive look at how poetry can support the nuanced and often complex mother-daughter bond.
You will be invited to experience a selection of gentle activities inspired by Charmaine’s work. In addition, she will share insights from her trauma-informed 12-week ‘Understanding the mother- daughter relationship’ therapeutic writing group in which survivors were able to reclaim their sense of hope and begin the process of healing. Through creative expression, participants not only addressed the deep wounds caused by abuse but also discovered pathways to fostering healthier relationships with their mother and other significant individuals in their lives.
About the Workshop
Poems with Purpose
Choosing Poetry for Healing, Emotional Growth and Wellbeing
Join Charmaine for a transformative workshop designed specifically for using poetry as a therapeutic tool in writing groups and at home.
This workshop places a spotlight on the art of poem selection, highlighting how choosing the right poem can facilitate emotional insight, unlock richer, more meaningful conversations within a writing group setting, and spark further reflection.
Whether you are a group facilitator or an individual on a journey of self-development, you will gain practical strategies and creative inspiration to enrich your therapeutic writing practice.
During the workshop, you will:
Learn about the importance of choosing the right poem and why each one you pick should, ultimately, inspire hope
Understand the role of safety, structure, and containment in therapeutic writing groups
Experience metaphors as a way to share your story, build confidence and increase emotional resilience
Ready to Discover the Power of Poetry and Writing?
oin Charmaine Pollard at the Write to Heal Conference and explore how poetry, journalling, and expressive writing can support healing, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful change. Through guided exercises and practical tools, you will gain new ways to reflect, connect, and grow.
Secure Your Seat Today
(Limited to 150 Participants)
Write for Life
Write for Life – The Healing Power of Your Pen is a three-day international expressive writing conference taking place in Stockholm, Sweden, from 18–20 September 2026. A welcoming space for reflection, creativity, healing, and meaningful connection through writing.
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Adress:
Essinge Church and Parish Hall
Essinge Kyrkväg 15B, 112 65 Stockholm
Sweden
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