#61 The Healing Power of Words: Exploring Bibliopoetry Therapy with Nancy Scherlong
What if the words you write could heal your mind, body, and soul?
In this episode of the Writing with Purpose podcast, I’m joined by Nancy Scherlong, a writer, coach, therapist, and former president of the International Federation for Bibliopoetry Therapy. Nancy’s career spans decades of helping people heal through the transformative power of writing, poetry, and storytelling. From her early days journalling as a child to her groundbreaking work in bibliopoetry therapy, Nancy shares how words can unlock creativity, process trauma, and foster deep personal growth.
Nancy’s passion for helping others shines through as she discusses her journey, the power of metaphors, and how we can all use expressive writing to improve our wellbeing. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or someone looking for a new way to connect with yourself, this episode is packed with insights and practical tools.
“I use writing to internalize the good things and hold onto them, so I have them … like a snapshot the way we would use a camera to capture that moment.”
In this episode:
“Creativity is largely about can we have a different view or can we find our agency in a stuck situation like writer's block or after an accident. And that sort of innovation is what helps the brain stay neuroplastic and adapt and thrive, not just survive."
Nancy shares practical advice for anyone looking to start ordeepen their journalling practice, including:
Connect with Nancy
Please connect with Nancy to learn more about her work, to book onto an event or further our conversation.
"Sometimes we just have to put the judge outside the door … because so many people, especially with writing, have been told they do it wrong or they're not good at it … that can be a barrier … Creativity does not have rules.”
Also mentioned in this podcast:
Podcast Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:52 Understanding Interactive Bibliopoetry Therapy
06:30 The Power of Expressive Writing Techniques
09:23 The Role of Creativity in Healing
12:00 Nancy's Path to Becoming a Therapist
14:43 The Impact of Personal Experience on Professional Growth
17:50 The Intersection of Science and Creativity
20:17 Reading and Writing as Lifelong Practices
22:55 Journaling Techniques for Personal Growth
31:52 Creative Approaches to Self-Expression
36:18 The Power of Metaphors: Nature and Wellbeing
45:28 Exploring Therapeutic Techniques: From Writing to EMDR
51:52 Future Endeavours: Merging Storytelling and Healing
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A new episode is released every other Saturday at 8 am.
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Please download your free journal planner PDF and entrance meditation to kickstart your journalling journey.
