About the Group: This therapeutic writing group is for personal development. Claire will be offering a range of techniques to connect to your creative potential. There will be a therapeutic (rather than a literary) lens. Writing will be individual, with sharing in groups. We will build a non-judgemental and empathic container for your thoughts and feelings.
Who can Attend: This is open to everyone, therapists and the general public. If you are concerned about someone else attending (a conflict of interest), please contact sambaker.pa @ gmail.com, with your phone number, and we will discuss this with you.
Entry Requirements: You will either have attended a workshop with Claire already (please let us know the name and date of the workshop you attended). Or we will arrange an interview with Claire before you book, to check suitability. To see Claire’s other workshops click one of these links.
Creative Writing in the Therapeutic Encounter Sept 2 and 3 2025
Therapeutic Journalling Feb 4 and 6 2026
Creative Writing in the Therapeutic Encounter April 21 and 22 2026
Tutor: DR. CLAIRE WILLIAMSON PhD
Claire brings an integrative approach to using creative writing in the therapeutic encounter. She’s the former Director of Studies for Metanoia Institute’s MSc in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes (CWTP), with over 20 years experience in the field of CWTP, including work in bereavement, mental health, addiction recovery, self-injury, cancer care, plus many educational and artistic settings.
Claire has facilitated training for counsellors at City of Bristol College’s FD in Counselling and UWE’s Diploma in Counselling. She also works with medical students at University of Bristol and Queen Mary University in London, exploring how creativity can support people within healthcare settings.
She’s a Senior Fellow of the higher education academy, with a Masters degree in Literary Studies (exploring the life sustaining effects of writing) and studying at Cardiff University for a PhD in Creative Writing (Writing the 21st century grief novel), with a Counselling Skills qualification (UWE).
Claire is the author of four poetry/narrative books, Visiting the Minotaur (Seren, 2018) Split Ends (Eyewear, 2016), The Soulwater Pool (2008) and Ride On (PoTA, 2005).
Approved for CPD: This course has been accredited by NCIP- National Council Of Integrative Psychotherapists. CPD Certificates will be given after the final module. If you have attended all the modules, the CPD certificate will be for 24 hours of CPD.
Where: Online
Dates: Tuesdays. October 14 2025, October 28, November 11, November 25, December 9, December 23, January 13 2026, January 27, February 10, February 24, March 10, March 24.
Time: 6.45pm-8.45pm
NB If you would like to join but are unable to commit on a Tuesday evening, please let us know. If there are sufficient people interested, Claire might start a second group.
Cost: Per person for 12 sessions.
£500 if paid by 14th August.
£600 if paid on or after 15th September 2025
People joining the course late will still be charged in full (£600).
Payment Options: Payment can be made on the following basis: With early booking discount £200 by 30th August, then £100 per month on 30 Sept, 30 Oct andd 30 Nov.
For full payment of £600. £300 deposit. £100 per month after that for 3 more months.
Maximum Numbers: 15 people
Closed Group: Until we have reached the required number of participants, then people will be able to join the group, even if it has started. However, once we have reached 15 people we will close the group, and no new people will be allowed to join.
TO BOOK YOUR PLACE
To Book: Fill in this form. If you have not heard from us within a week, then please telephone the office on 01291 638805
Attendance: We understand that you may not be able to attend every session. Please let Claire know in advance if you are unable to attend. If you have to miss one (or more) session(s) – there will not be a refund or discount.
Cancellations: Cancellations or alterations with more that 90 days notice are subject to a 12.5% handling charge. Cancellations or alterations within 90 days of the workshop are non refundable and non transferrable.