Writing Our Way Out of Trouble: Sue Reynolds at TEDxStouffville

The results of 25 years of research strongly indicates that writing down what distresses and dismays us not only makes us feel better - it improves our resistance to physical illness, decreases the symptoms of anxiety and depression, improves our sleep patterns, as well as providing a host of other benefits. This promising psycho-social intervention is available 24/7 to anyone with a modicum of literacy. Sue Reynolds will talk about her work facilitating creative writing with female inmates in the Provincial Corrections system, and about how the protocols for writing for health can help all of us in times of trouble.

BIO: Susan Lynn Reynolds is a freelance writer, an accredited writing instructor in the Amherst Writers and Artists' method, former president of the Writers' Community of Durham Region (WCDR) and former vice-chair of the national organization Canadian Creative Writers and Writing Programs.

Her YA novel won the Canadian Library Association's national Young Adult Novel of the Year award, and she is also a winner of the Timothy Findley Creative Writing Prize for her short stories and poetry.

She is currently practicing psychotherapy under supervision towards the fulfillment of the requirements for her license as a psychotherapist.

Her area of specialty is the therapeutic use of journaling and memoir, and her thesis on that topic received the Canadian Psychological Association's Award of Academic Excellence.

She has been leading writing workshops for female inmates at Central East Correctional Centre for six years and she received the June Callwood Award for Outstanding Volunteerism for that program.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[kimlec]

Writing saved me. If you are in an abusive situation, it can often be the only way to safely vent...and to write how you really feel ..it is silent, and private..you can rip it up if you worry someone will find it.

[silviadelafegonzalez]

Sue-- since the time I met you-- who knows how many years ago, your work has grown, expanded and touched the lives of so many human beings that need an outlet!
You are an inspiration to me and, I am sure to many others! Love, Silvia

[littlealicejones]

That was beautiful, Sue. Thank you for sharing your experiences. And thank you for bringing light into dark places.

[graceking]

Sue, you are such an inspiration! You always seem to let the light in. Thanks for your contribution to the freedom released through your amazing program. Miracles happen with the magic you create for so many. The picture you paint is right on. gk

[ICONIQPsychology]

Writing has so many benefits for your mental health and it's great for becoming more emotionally intelligent as well. You can process your emotions in a constructive and creative way. We can all benefit from writing.

[ClaudiaCastro]

Writing does have the power to heal and change our lives. It's been a very common thread for years even in our ministry but I'm glad to have finally heard not only someone talk about this but a woman on a Ted stage speaking on the power of therapy with such an intense group she worked with that needs a lot of healing. I like to promote how writing can be the most incredible therapy and personal growth for just about anyone.

[TheSeaRoach]

Committing to it is the hardest part... but the tactile sensation with the accomplishment will carry you as far as you have to go. Good way to reflect.

[Lotuslaful]

Beautiful powerful work
Bless you and Thank you for sharing

[lisadelraye]

After watching 60 Days In -- I've got a little insight into what you are talking about. I find this extremely helpful. Thank you.

[HMALDANA]

Wow, Sue! What a heart of gold you have!

[relatable-withlucyk]

Thank you for sharing such inspiration, Sue. I am developing a mentorship for girls in juvenile detention and would want to incorporate writing as one of the components in the program. Would love to hear more on how this can be effectively incorporated.

[janinerogers]

I can relate. I wanted this bad as a teenager. But it never happened.

[janinerogers]

That is something I never thought of. I have Asthma too.

[janinerogers]

Okay my page count as she said would probably be over 100.

[joanaaraujo]

Pena que não tem tradução em Português