Jessica Maggie Brophy
I am a teaching artist, HSP, poet with a port wine stain birthmark, and builder of she-shed.
I believe every women deserves a quiet place to heal, dream, and create.
The Writing Shed
What is it?
The Writing Shed is a journaling circle that offers workshops and journaling “dates” for women who want to unwind, reinvent their life story, and sweep out the clutter. It is inspired by the principles of the she-shed movement, which encourages a woman to build her own quiet place, use it for her personal interests, and capitalize on her solitude.
The Writing Shed also recognizes that no writer writes alone, and we need to come together to journal because we heal in community. When we listen to one another’s stories, whether traumatic or celebratory, we feel seen and heard. We are a learning community where the pen is our friend. And we recognize that we are all unique. No two sheds from the women in our community would look alike, and no two stories would be told exactly the same way!
Above all, we journal in The Shed for emotional ease, authentic expression, and creative living.
Why journal writing?
Your journal acts like an “expert companion” that supports your dreams while also helping you rebuild. Your journal is a friend, whether you write about a difficult emotion, the relationships that bring you joy, or the next creative pursuit that is calling your name but has been a struggle to get off the ground.
I guide the group with a trauma-informed approach, helping you make writing choices that are intentional, self-therapeutic, and that match your needs and goals.
The Writing Shed’s flagship methods are from the internationally acclaimed Journal to the Self© (JTTS) workbook. It offers 18 different tools. They stimulate both left and right brain activity and are geared towards a variety of temperaments and personalities.
The JTTS set of tools helps you see that journaling:
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- offers you a simple and effective way to connect with yourself
- provides a refuge that is well-paced
- encourages you to be attentive to what matters to you so that what “fires together, wires together.”
How do I get involved?
Sign up below to receive my newsletter to get updates about the next journaling workshop and journaling “dates.” Read more for details about upcoming events!
My Story
since 2015
Journaling Facilitator
I gently guide clients through the process of journaling, whether that is writing poems, making art, or scribbling letters to your 5 year old self. I love this work because expressive writing is proven to be effective for personal healing, creative expression, and professional development. Trained at the “Harvard for journaling” school–The Center for Journal Therapy in Colorado–I get to share how journaling saved me! Learn more about what to expect at a women’s journaling group here.
SINCE 2004
Teacher
I have taught academic and creative writing for over 20 years at the college level. I experience strong feelings of joy and belonging when I get to help writers build their portfolios, practice their craft, flex their inner artist muscles, and tell their life stories. My post-traumatic growth allows me to be a witness to other’s stories and helps me feel less alone in my own healing journey.
Since 2001
Author
As a poet and researcher, creative expression is the most authentic way I know how to connect with myself and others. Growing up as a child of emotional neglect has taught me that expression is my birthright. Being an author fills me with pride and hope. It means I want to connect with you, I want to make you feel something, and I want us to have a conversation. Expression is your birthright too!
Want 5 Simple Journal Writing Tips?
Reach out to me and let’s start the conversation! Maybe you have questions about the Journal to the Self tools or the healing benefits of expressive writing? Or maybe you are curious about how journaling helps you find refuge or connect to your creative pursuits?
For your action of connection, I’m happy to share 5 simple journal writing tips!