Narrative Now

Episode 12: Healing Trauma through Creative Writing with Edwina Shaw

Narrative Now Season 1 Episode 12

For this episode we spoke to Edwina Shaw, who teaches creative writing in schools, libraries and at the University of Queensland, and also is a writer herself. Edwina’s work focuses on the healing power of stories and in this episode we explore how storytelling can be a way of working through trauma. We focus on Edwina’s creative writing sessions with people who grew up in out-of-home care and hear about how imaginative and creative writing exercises hold the potential to tell one’s story in a different way. Edwina also addresses the extensive work that goes into making these sessions safe for everyone.

Please note: the episode does contain references to traumatic life events that may be confronting. If listeners need to seek support, we recommend the following services:

Lifeline (AUS)
Beyond Blue (AUS)               
Lifeline (US) 
NHS overview of services (UK)