Trauma and the Creative Writing Classroom

A session exploring what trauma is, its relationship to creativity and strategies to develop a trauma-informed workshop practice.

NB: This workshop will be from 2-4pm in MMU’s Arts and Humanities Building, Manchester.

What is trauma? What is PTSD? Why does it matter for workshop/arts facilitators? When difficult memories or subjects arise, what practical approaches or tips can facilitators employ in the moment, or bear in mind for the future?

This workshop will use relaxed group conversations to explore these questions. You will gain an understanding of some of the definitions of what trauma is, its signs and symptoms, practical strategies for building trauma awareness into workshops and some tools for tackling traumatising or challenging subject matter in a workshop setting. Written, practical and creative exercises will demonstrate some ideas and approaches discussed during the session.