WRITING TO RECKON
A Writing to Reckon workshop is an opportunity for survivors of any high demand group who have experienced cultic, religious, or spiritual abuse to put words to their lived experiences in a safe, supportive environment. Through the process of writing one can find coherence around confusing or traumatic events where coercive control was present and this in turn can reduce stress and promote integration. Each workshop includes writing prompts, provides ample time to write, to share one's work and to receive feedback and support for the writer’s journey. No previous writing experience is necessary.
It’s no small act - to write one’s story of cultic, spiritual or religious abuse. The process requires courage to speak the truth and to be honest where there is not yet clarity and to keep writing anyway. I have experienced again and again how this commitment to oneself inspires others to do the same, breaking down the barriers of shame and shattering the societal stigma that silences us.
When we write, we speak, in no uncertain terms of what we have endured. When we write we are standing in our own lived experience and saying, “It’s NOT ok to coerce another person” “It’s NOT ok to impose top-down thinking onto others.” “It’s NOT ok to ravage another person’s mind, body and spirit for an unattainable goal.”
~Gerette Buglion
Recurring Writing to Reckon —
This ongoing class is a safe space for writers who wish to explore their personal experience of spiritual, cultic, religious or institutional abuse..
Writing to Reckon provides a safe and engaging space for survivors who wish to establish a writing practice as part of their personal healing process and/or are actively engaged in writing a book. This course provides a confidential container to delve into the challenging terrain of power-over abuse. Each class includes a brief lesson and writing prompt. The class is supportive in nature but is not a support group. The focus is on writing. Each class offers an opportunity to write, to share one’s work and to receive feedback and support for the writer’s journey.
Live Writing to Reckon Workshops —
Writing to Reckon provides a safe and engaging space for survivors who wish to establish a writing practice as part of their personal healing process and/or are actively engaged in writing a book. This course provides a confidential container to delve into the challenging terrain of power-over abuse.
Live and in person Writing to Reckon Workshops are offered at different locations and only irregularly. If you are interested in hosting one or would like to speak with Gerette about offering one near you, please click the “connect to plan” button. Full day and multi-day retreats are also an option.
”I’m so grateful for this class. Gerette has created a soft space for people who have left cultic experiences to land and express themselves in a safe and warm environment. It’s truly been the place where I have experienced the most healing and felt the most seen and understood.”
- Lori
”Being part of Gerette's writing class has changed my life. It was with her and my fellow writers that I found a safe place to share my thoughts through the written word. Gerette has a way of intuitively choosing writing prompts that consistently resonate with me. Her words of encouragement and support have given me the courage to dream of publishing my work in the future. Warm and empathetic, Gerette provides a nurturing, online environment within which I have been able to take risks as well as have the honour to witness the amazing creations of others from all over the world. I am truly grateful to be working with Gerette!”
- Jen S. Toronto, Canada
"I am so grateful for the Writing to Reckon class. Thank you for creating a safe environment for others to share their stories. You have no idea how much I needed that. I felt alone for so many years because either people don't want to hear stories of cult survivors, or they dismiss us completely. Even my own family tells me to "just get over it, it happened so long ago" - and they also endured abuse! I feel recharged and motivated to continue my writing and get my book finished!"
~Deb Donner
“Bit by bit, class after class, I am unpacking my 30 years of cultic involvement onto the page and my memoir is unfolding. The tidbit of sharing Gerette does in the beginning of the class which frames her writing prompts offer a different perspective that gently guides my writing in directions I don’t think it would otherwise go…I’m always surprised by what comes out on my page and the insights of fellow authors in the class as we reflect on each other’s pieces.”
~Lisa
