DevelopArts

Writing and the Arts Pauline Cooper

Welcome to the world of Writing and the Arts

I would like to introduce you to this new concept where people are invited to network and develop an arts movement together. Although I am the lead for writing it is a role extra to my job, so if you get in touch please bear with me if I take a while to respond. First I will speak of my vision for writing, then I shall introduce myself.

It is my vision that those of you I already know will continue to write and will think about creating groups of people with an arts interest. From this it would be wonderful to see people enhance their potential and, maybe as time goes on, consider performing – at Open Mic sessions, older adults units/homes, or places where people are unable to get out and have fun – take the fun to them!

Writing is an activity of daily living for many people and even writing a list of things to do can help us to feel more in control over life. Never mind the therapeutic benefits, writing can be absorbing, exciting – and fun!

Let me introduce myself. I shall be heading up the writing and hope to involve all of you that have writing interests wherever you may be and whatever your writing interest. My name is Dr. Pauline Cooper, and I have been studying ways of using writing for over 10 years – recording my findings in a Masters Degree (2001) and completing a Doctorate (2008) entitled: ‘The Use of Creative Writing as a Therapeutic Activity for Mental Health in Occupational Therapy.’

This is available to view in Oxleas’ Library at Pinewood House, the College of Occupational Therapy Library, the British Library in London, and the library at University of Sussex. My research explored two kinds of writing: Creative Writing as a therapeutic arts activity, and a six session course: ‘Using Writing As Therapy’ which focuses on recovering identity and self esteem.

As Head Occupational Therapist for the Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, at the Woodlands Working Age Adults inpatient unit, I work 4 days per week as and one day per week as an independent Writing Therapy Consultant.

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