Writing While Tender:
September 27th
(12-2PM PST)
This Month's THeme:
"Embodied Presence"
The theme of Embodied Presence invites you into a mindful creative flow informed by the active awareness of your physical body. We’ll use somatic practices and guided writing prompts to explore the quieter rhythms of fall as a pathway to inner reflection and nervous system regulation
This class is ideal for writers, healers, therapists, and creatives seeking a grounding space to nurture self-connection, creativity, and seasonal alignment.
Facilitated by Sofiya Ko, licensed counselor and expressive arts therapist, Writing While Tender is a trauma-aware container where personal experience will be gently guided into creative writing.
An Intentional Writing Series
Writing While Tender is a space to explore themes like letting go, softness as resilience and embodied presence through writing.
Beyond the traditional format of writing class which provides prompts, this series incorporates breath-work, somatic regulation, and guided visualization to help you go deeper.
On the Agenda
Opening
We’ll begin with introductions and a gentle check-in to get you grounded in the space, including breathing or a somatic exercise.
Warm Up
Next, we'll use prompts to access a tender writing mindset and be with what feels alive for you in the present season.
Deepening
We'll gently move into solo writing time, on the theme of EMBODIED PRESENCE, exploring what this means to you and how it aligns with your life.
Connection
The space will be open to sharing clarity, insights or a few passages from your writing. Sharing is encouraged, but you're welcome to just witness.
Closing
We'll exit the creative portal with a guided visualization to help you wind down and come back to your body in the present moment.
While this space is facilitated by a licensed and trauma-informed counselor, please note this is not group therapy.
this Class is For
The Sensitive Soul
You've got a lot of feels, you notice the little details, and you are fascinated by rhythms, patterns and mysteries of life.
The Self-Reflector
You yearn for an understanding of yourself that connects you to everyone and everything. You value being rooted in the present as much as you wish to translate the past.
The aspiring Memoirist
You've done a lot of your own reflecting on patterns and contexts that have shaped your path, and you're feeling the call to shaping those insights into a story.
The Curious and Open
You're new to writing as an art-form but are eager to explore narrative and oral history as a form of agency and empowerment.
This Class Is
Not For
Folks Seeking Therapy
If you're in needing 1:1 support for distressing memories that may activate trauma, please seek private care like group or solo therapy.
Writers Desiring Critique
This is not a technical writing class. We won't be focused on providing feedback on projects or creative ideas, but rather focused on the process of self-expression.
Those in Active Distress
Please be mindful of your boundaries and needs. If you're navigating a crisis situation, therapy or immediate medical attention may be more appropriate.
Practice Taking Up Space
Join us for
a softer Creative experience
$47
Use code JUSTICE to access a 50% off sliding scale.
No questions asked.
Key INFO
When/where Do I attend the virtual Class?
After securing your spot you'll receive an email with a zoom link. Classes happen on the third Saturday from 12-2pm PST.
DO I NEED PRIOR writing Experience?
This class is thoughtfully crafted to be worthwhile for a range of experiences. Whether you're seasoned or new, the exercises and prompts will help you go deeper in your writing practice.
CAN I ASK QUESTIONS THROUGHOUT THE SESSION?
There will be time for questions before we begin structured writing and at the end of the group share. I will also be available via chat to provide clarity and encouragement during solo-writing.
How should I set up my area before class?
Please bring something to write with/on. A quiet place where you will not be disturbed is ideal. Creature comforts like soft and loose clothing, a warm beverage like tea, and a supportive seat are recommended.
How do I set myself up for success?
Please review the guidelines above on who this class is and isn't for. As this isn't group therapy, you will be asked to gauge your own consent throughout the session and refrain from engaging in exercises if you become activated.
Is this a one time class and Will I get a REcording?
This class happens once every other month. A recording of the class will be sent to all participants, but will not be sold separately. The next class is November 15th.
Kickstart Your Wellbeing with my free Mental Health Starter Kit:
Finding care is hard. But finding a therapist that is a great fit can feel impossible. This mental health starter kit includes a comprehensive guide that helps you find the right therapist for you, a self-care workbook to support you as you wait to get into care, and a bonus: in-depth scripts for my favorite five self-regulation tools, so you can practice them outside of therapy!
Your Facilitator
Sofiya Ko
bi, cis woman,
Ukrainian-American Immigrant,
multi-modal artist
As a child, I felt free to climb trees, make friends with anyone, and take up space through creative expression. But surviving the traumatic process of immigration taught me that safety meant being small and blending in. So I buried my creative and boisterous energy, made myself small, and decided to pursue the “American Dream”:
I sought financial and career success at all costs…and burned out by age 23.
After a decade in therapy, I learned how to feel safe in my body again, how to make meaning from my past, and identified what actually mattered to me. Therapy transformed my life so deeply, that I decided to become an Expressive Arts and Somatic Therapist myself.
Now, I get to help others reclaim safety in their bodies & lives too!
You are powerful.
Give yourself permission to access your creative life-force.