Writing Your Voice - Reclaiming Our True Selves

Earlier this year, we were fortunate to run a poetry group with our counsellor Julia and renowned poet Ali Whitelock, using new modes of self-expression to facilitate post-traumatic growth and recovery.

Nearly 20 women arrived on the first day, ranging in age from their early 20s to 70 years. The women were from a diverse group of Australian-born and first-generation migrants.

Self-expression can be daunting, especially because this means delving into the unknown.

“I honestly didn’t know what to expect walking into the class and found it intimidating at first because I haven’t studied poetry since high school.” -participant

Finding a sense of self requires much honesty. It can also bring up uncomfortable emotions. For this reason, it’s important to be nurtured and supported throughout this journey.

Our wonderful facilitators were able to create such a space. They made it far more easier for the women to be honest and open with each other.

“Everyone had a chance to talk about their poems, their experience writing it and their views. The program has truly helped me to polish my…writing skills into a beautiful piece of poem. It made my creative juices flow.” -participant

All of the women had experienced significant trauma through domestic violence, abuse, and structural disadvantage. It was important for them to find a safe space to process the unspeakable.

Reading, art, and storytelling are well-established therapeutic models, creating solace for those who may find it difficult or even too confronting to reach out to trusted others. Some women tend to be more comfortable using creative modes of expression as a form of therapy.

Through words and self-expression, victim-survivors were empowered to connect viscerally with others and heal through the transformative power of literature, while learning emotional regulation.

“I have been inspired by people’s encouragement and by reading other women’s poetry. It feels like we created something quite sacred by journeying together, sharing intimate and vulnerable parts of our lives, and by giving validity to each other’s unique and unspoken stories.” -participant

At the end of this project, participants also walked away with their own work in a published anthology. “Apples: An Unapologetic Anthology From The Core” was published together with WestWords with the following foreword by Counsellor and Psychotherapist Julia:

“Systems, histories, collective forces and violence try to seize the voices of women. Alongside this reality is the powerful and courageous act of reclaiming. Of resistance. As you read and hear this anthology I know that you will find, deep in your bones, a knowledge that the cacophony of voices enclosed in these pages must be heard. I have had the greatest privilege walking alongside these women. May listening to and reading their words open possibilities of nourishment and solidarity.”  

Through the power of poetry, these women not only found their true selves but strength and hope in each other’s writing. There were also lower feelings of depression and anxiety with an improvement in their confidence and self-worth.

“Apples: An Unapologetic Anthology From the Core” will continue to be used as an effective educational, creative and therapeutic tool to help other women heal from trauma, knowing that they are never alone.  

Click here to view our collection of poetry from our apples anthology.

Writing Your Voice was a project delivered in collaboration with WestWords, funded by Parramatta Leagues Club through the Parramatta ClubGRANTS scheme.