Jessica Maggie Brophy
I am a teacher, poet, journaling facilitator, 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 community that offers workshops and a monthly online group for women on a healing journey. 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.
In The Writing Shed, we come together to journal because we heal in community. We are trauma survivors and post-traumatic growth thrivers. When we are with other women who take care of themselves, we feel seen and heard. But we are not defined only by our trauma, and we do not ignore it either. As leading neuroscientists recommend, we “acknowledge the bad and look for the good.”
Above all, we journal in The Shed for emotional ease, authentic expression, and creative living. We encourage one another no matter where we are on our healing journey. Whether you are beginning a healing journey or just need a “tune up,” The Writing Shed welcomes you.
Why journal writing?
Your journal acts like an “expert companion” that supports your life after trauma. Our time together focuses on re-building your story (not re-triggering old wounds). We leave behind rants and ruminations in our notebooks and replace them with mindful and self-compassionate approaches.
I facilitate the group so that each woman feels empowered to make her own personal writing choices that are intentional, self-therapeutic, and that match her goals for a joyful, healed life. I meet you in this place where you choose what works for you by carefully select journaling tools that ensure you’re not overwhelmed and that celebrate your wins along the journey.
The Writing Shed’s flagship methods are from the internationally acclaimed Journal to the Self© (JTTS) course. It offers 18 different tools. The JTTS set of tools helps you see that journaling:
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- offers you a simple and gentle way to connect with yourself,
- provides a structured refuge that is well-paced,
- helps you shed old mental models while building new ones that bring coherence to your healing progress, and
- encourages you to be attentive to what matters to you so that you harness the benefits of neuroplasticity.
It is my pledge to prioritize your growth, help you explore your inner wisdom, and create a safe and supportive space for you to create authentically.
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!