I do this work because I am the work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I first encountered expressive writing for healing at the UCSF Cancer Center during my own cancer treatment. I had been a professional writer for over 25 years before my diagnosis, and none of that prepared me for what I actually needed to say. This kind of writing was different. It cracked me open, dissolved the grip of my perfectionism, and helped me get through my illness in ways nothing else could.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As soon as I was declared NED, I completed my Wild Writing™ teacher training with founder Laurie Wagner. I’ve been on a mission to Johnny Appleseed this practice with other patients and survivors ever since.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cThe Wild Writing classes, designed by 27 Powers, changed my life. As a professional writer and editor, I was no stranger to writing, but the classes at AFR taught me the power of reclaiming your narrative after a diagnosis.\u201d
\u2014 Meesha Halm, from Art That Heals (University of California Press<\/span>, 2024)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhy Expressive Writing for Illness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
One of the most challenging aspects of a serious diagnosis is the loss of control. Doctors are the experts on the disease. But you are the expert on your own body, your emotions, and your story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Expressive writing gives that back to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Research has consistently shown that writing about difficult experiences \u2014 putting words to what feels unspeakable \u2014 reduces stress, supports immune function, and helps people process trauma. But beyond the science, what happens in these circles is simpler and harder to measure: people find their voice again. They remember they are more than their diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read my 5 writing practice tips for when the words feel stuck.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAbout These Circles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
These are small, intimate writing circles held online via Zoom \u2014 a safe space to explore the full range of what you’re carrying. The sadness, the anger, the ambivalence, the unexpected joy, the dark humor, the grief that doesn’t follow a schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here’s how it works: I introduce the practice, offer an evocative poem as a writing prompt, and guide you through a timed writing session. Afterward, each person has the chance to share what they wrote while the others listen, generously, silently, without judgment or advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That’s where the real magic comes in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No writing experience required. No pressure to share. No expectation of anything except showing up as you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWho This Circle Is For<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This circle is for you if you are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
- A cancer patient currently in treatment<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A survivor navigating life after cancer<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A caregiver supporting someone you love through illness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Living with any serious or chronic illness and looking for a space to process your experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Someone who has tried to write about your experience and found yourself stopping before you’ve said the real thing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
You don’t need to be a writer. You need to be willing to pick up the pen and see what comes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhere I’ve Done This Work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
I edited Art That Heals<\/em> (University of California Press, 2024)<\/a>, a book about the role of creative expression in healing at UCSF, and wrote an essay for it called \u2018I\u2019ve Looked at Art From Both Sides Now,\u2019 about what it means to be both a professional writer and a cancer patient walking those same hallways. It is the truest thing I\u2019ve written.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I discovered Wild Writing™ through Art for Recovery, the arts and healing program at UCSF\u2019s Helen Diller Cancer Center, while I was a patient there. I have since facilitated dozens of healing writing circles for cancer patients and survivors at UCSF.<\/p>\n\n\n\nI have facilitated dozens of healing writing circles for UCSF cancer patients and survivors, and for Colontown<\/a>, an online cancer support community. I currently lead monthly therapeutic writing circles for the Women’s Cancer Resource Center in Berkeley, a resource for local Bay Area residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My facilitation training includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Wild Writing™ teacher training with founder Laurie Wagner<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Narrative Medicine Intensive \u2014 Columbia University<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Healing Global Circles facilitator training<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Empowered Patient Leaders certification \u2014 PALTOWN<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Facilitating Stories for Impact \u2014 Real Food, Real Stories<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nJoin a Healing Writing Circle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
These circles are scheduled based on participant interest and availability, which means the next one forms when the right people find each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you’re a patient, survivor, or caregiver who wants to write your way through this. I’d love to hear from you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reach Out to Join a Circle \u2192 mailto:meeshahalm@gmail.com<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sliding scale pricing available. Please reach out. I don’t want cost to be the reason you don’t come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhat Participants Say<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
“A diagnosis can alter your life down to your cells. Meesha’s class offers a gift to her students. A space to be honest, a place to unload a burden that no one else needs to hold, and an opportunity to meet creative friends who will move with you past the cliche, “You are not alone.” Free-Range Writing encourages you to tap into parts of yourself you didn’t realize were there, giving you genuine strength. If you stumble into the opportunity to write with Meesha, say yes, and you will transform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Jenny, elementary school teacher<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
“This was totally out of my comfort zone and I\u2019m so glad I did it. I had an emotional release that I did not know I needed. Unfortunately, this morning I found out that my CEA jumped quite a bit after my short stint dancing with NED. I feel compelled to get the journal out and continue writing. Thank you for providing me with and encouraging this new outlet. My resistance to writing is generally due to my perfectionism so the Free-Range Writing was liberating. Meesha, thank you so much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Samantha, patient<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n“The goal is not to write well. By telling our stories honestly and vulnerably, we can write ourselves to wellness.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Writing won’t fix a diagnosis. But it might help you find yourself again inside of one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nNew here? Start with a prompt. Five free writing prompts designed for anyone navigating a difficult season. No experience needed, no pressure to be good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n