Writing serves many functions, and it can be incredibly healing through the art of personal narrative.
Previously, this was a live, interactive and engaging two-hour workshop where I helped you lay out the foundation to write your own story, be it for your own eyes to see or for you to share with others. Now, it’s available as a recording! All you need to join is something to write with and an open mind! Now, I offer this as a recording that you can access at any time for your convenience.
This is a great intro opportunity for you if you have little to no writing experience and have been prompted to get into writing by someone like a coach or a therapist or if you last wrote something a while ago and want to get back into writing.
Here is an example of vulnerable storytelling. This was my story from the Louisville Courier-Journal published in December 2020 that went viral and eventually led me to opportunities such as being on Red Table Talk, NPR, and CBS.
Being in recovery is not a requirement. Open to anyone with a story to tell and with a heart ready to heal. This is a great support program for you if you have little to no writing experience and have been prompted to get into writing by someone like a coach or a therapist.
Please note by signing up I’ll add you to my email list so you can stay on top of any other opportunities that come up. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Do you already know that you want to participate in the live full six-week program? Register here for the next round.
Please note by signing up I’ll add you to my email list so you can stay on top of any other opportunities that come up. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Here is what prior participants have to say about my writing instruction!
Before starting the writing program I needed guidance and self reflection to write my story on healing. Now, I feel much better, like the air that I have retained in my body has been released. I revisited my past, a past that I kept suppressed in my mind and spirit. What I found most beneficial about the sessions are the critiques and how to make my writing make more sense, grammar, the use of dialogue and sensory experiences in story telling. Now I feel ready to share my writing and my confidence has sky rocketed. Thank you Jessica so much!
-Jorgie
Many years ago in trauma therapy, it was strongly suggested that I write about my traumatic experience. I did not write about it, and I truly feel like part of my suffering is from not being able to fully heal. I’ve always been scared to give this particular traumatic experience my full attention. This 6 week class has provided a safe space for me to begin finally writing. I did not use my voice in class, some weeks I did not even turn on my camera. I did not turn in my writing weekly. But showing up, being part of a group that understood why I was there, and honestly just listening to everyone share their stories and be vulnerable was incredibly beneficial for me. The writing tips and feedback were helpful, and the weekly suggestions of how to stay grounded and stable while writing (mentally and emotionally) showed such care and understanding. I felt seen and heard and taken care of- even though I was not actively participating.
-J
I was not able to put pen to paper prior to this class and found the courage to do so here. i was not able to participate as much as I hoped but i feel I have made progress. Love the way you structured the program. You are a wonderful teacher.
-S
I loved the structure, the sharing, and the safe space that Jessica created for this workshop. This was a great way to start my writing journey and I look forward to more classes with Jessica.
-Meg
Jessica taught me to consider who my audience is and how to effectively grab the attention of my readers. I received constructive and valuable feedback from Jessica and my fellow workshop participants which enabled me to expand and enrich my story.
Jessica is an outstanding and compassionate teacher. She creates a safe space to share our stories. I appreciated her laid back demeanor which helped calm my anxiety around sharing. I looked forward to each session and my writing improved tremendously. I highly recommend Jessica’s Writing To Heal course. In fact, I may enroll again! Thank you Jessica!
-Sue
What a great launching pad to begin writing my story that I have held in my body. Thank you so much for this gift.
-Stephani
This is an awesome workshop for those who what to write to heal personally or for those who want to share stories that may also help others heal. There is so much emotion that comes up during the session but Jessica takes time to lead people through self-soothing techniques.
-Teri
Writing to Heal with Jessica empowered me to confront and release the shame and guilt surrounding my sexual abuse and my life choices in the ensuing decades. Through this transformative experience, I found the courage to share the essential details of my past with my family, illuminating the reasons behind my parenting style and my perpetual fear of being discovered.
The small group sessions in the class proved invaluable to me, as they provided constructive feedback and allowed me to prioritize the timeline of events while emphasizing the importance of expressive writing and dialogue. The supportive environment fostered within these sessions enabled me to delve deeper into my healing process.
As I continue to write for closure, I may one day gather the strength to share my story on a broader platform. By doing so, I hope to help others realize that they are not alone in their existence and that no one deserves to suffer from sexual abuse. Additionally, I aim to shed light on the fact that life choices involving alcohol and drugs serve to prolong the healing journey.
In conclusion, Writing to Heal with Jessica Dueñas has been instrumental in my growth and healing. This class has equipped me with the tools, guidance, and inspiration necessary to navigate my journey of self-discovery and resilience. I wholeheartedly recommend this class to anyone seeking a safe and transformative space to confront their past, find their voice, and embark on a healing path through the power of writing.
-Helen
I was anxious about participating in a writing course – way out of my introverted comfort zone, but Jessica has an easy way about her. I still cannot believe what she pulled out of me and what I learned in such a short amount of time. I understand now why she was honored with teacher of the year! I’m motivated to continue to write to heal. Thank you Jessica!
-Sue
Great session, I was happy to have some structure and to be reminded of the writing process. I wanted more of that structured time to write so I am planning on signing up for the 6 week course.
-Anne
This was a very well planned and implemented workshop, I look forward to joining your Writing Workshop.
-Charell
This writing workshop was incredibly helpful! I signed up for this workshop because I want to be able to articulate where I’ve been, what’s happened in my life, and what I’ve learned. I want to get rid of my pile of secrets and shame and own my own story. The workshop provided a framework and safe space to start this process. Additionally, working through part my story with Jessica led to super productive conversations with my therapist – and I am so thankful for the insight!
-Heather
This class with Jessica was the reason I was able to focus on writing about my journey. The course provided so many valuable tools preparing me to organize my writing goals, even useful methods to face emotions. I had tried other writing courses before, but this is the first one which enabled me to begin writing from my heart and soul. Thank you Jessica for all I learned from you!
-iMom
I had no idea that hearing other people’s powerful writing would help inspire me to write. It was a beautiful, vulnerable space which are my favourite. Thank you for creating it and holding it for us.
–Louise
Jessica you are such a beautiful light in the world. Thank you for sharing and doing this workshop. I’m inspired to definitely write.
-Lorri
Before the Writing for Healing six-week class, I’ve wanted to share my story for a really long time, but I wasn’t sure where to start or what would even make it intriguing for an audience. I didn’t even know who I wanted the audience to be. Now I just feel like I have a very clear draft, I know who I want to share it with, and I feel much more confident. You can definitely tell Jessica is a teacher. It was so well structured and the lessons were broken up perfectly into digestible parts. The tips and mini exercises helped me get more clear on my writing process. It helped me realize what my focus actually was which made it easier to start writing. Getting feedback in real time was so helpful!
-Alisha
The workshop was amazing. It helped me to gather my thoughts and loved how you incorporated mindfulness techniques. Being that it was my first time, it helped me to put my thoughts in to perspective to begin to continue to first journal everything out. Then eventually, share my testimony with first myself and then open it up to group who also has gone through similar things as I. I do want many to know that they are not alone in there journey. Thank you for allowing a workshop and for what you continue to do for the community. You’re appreciated and it is not going unseen.
-Danielle
Great workshop! I learned a lot especially on how to lead the reader into my story. Jessica created a comfortable space that allowed us to vulnerably share our stories. Highly recommend.
-Jane
Great way to get me started on my writing. I appreciate you!
-Maura
I really liked how you built in so much time for wellness and how you provided a lot of practical examples of what you were teaching. Thank you for making a space where so many people were willing to be open and honest and vulnerable. I think that’s a really special and valuable thing!
–Oli
Loved this session! Jessica curated a safe space for everyone and I loved taking the time to think about how I could share my story in writing. I appreciated how you read all the comments and acknowledged them as I wasn’t in a space where I felt comfortable speaking the whole time.
-Erin
Very helpful! The time actually went by quickly. I like how engaging it was and the safety I felt inside the space. Jessica provided a thoughtful framework for writing about difficult topics.
-Priscilla
This workshop was effective and helpful in structuring my writing in regards to my story.
-Samantha
This was worthwhile for me personally. I haven’t shown anyone but my husband what I wrote. I feel like I can go back and look at what I have so far and structure it a little differently. Make it more approachable and perhaps more interesting.
-Amy
Really loved the session. Even as someone with a little bit of writing experience already I found it really helpful to begin rethinking about the process as a fresh start and truly I believe the workshop helped me come up with the opening chapter of my eventual memoir/self help book so thank you so much!
-Erik
Great workshop, Jessica! Super helpful to be given a framework on how to approach writing while also getting connected to others with similar goals. Not only that, but loved that we also incorporated mindfulness and personal wellness into the workshop and had the opportunity to assess how we are feeling.
-Anonymous
You really are a great teacher! I have been wanting to start writing for a while, and this workshop gave me a great foundation. Thank you so much.
-Lorraine
As someone newly sober, I had no idea what to expect from this workshop. I didn’t know if it would be relevant or just another seminar. I am so grateful I signed up! Not only was there immense learning and sharing, I also found this workshop to be so valuable to my own healing. I tapped into feelings I’d forgotten and I found a way to deal with them beyond alcohol. Jessica is an amazing teacher and a genuinely compassionate mentor in the writing and sobriety space. Can’t wait to join the next event!
-Anonymous