Reflexive Writing Workshops
For over a decade, Innings Gate Co. has specialised in developing and facilitating reflexive writing workshops, a purposeful self-reflective practice where writing is used as a tool to heal, grow or create. It’s not about writing well; it’s about writing for wellbeing.
In these intimate group settings, participants learn what reflexive writing is and how to apply the practice to suit them, as well as gain hands-on experience in this expressive art. Shifting focus from craft to care allows both Writers and Non-Writers alike to enjoy the writing process without pressure to ‘publish or perish’! This self-reflective practice can be used for myriad purposes: from preventing workplace burnout to fostering creative growth.
Select workshops include (click the arrow to expand):
Creativity Unlocked
The signature reflexive writing workshop from IGCo.! Customized to address the needs of your organization or group, Creativity Unlocked workshops incorporate writing therapy resources such as Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, Gillie Bolton’s The Writer’s Key, Danielle LaPorte’s Fire-Starter Sessions, and Byron Katie’s “The Work.” Reflexive writing is an expressive art that is accessible and gets results. A great way to inspire your work team with a creative lunch-n-learn, help your writers group work through blocks, or balance your community’s action with some reflection.
The Artist’s Way
A great way to get to know or continue along Julia Cameron’s iconic guide to creative rediscovery! Within the Artist’s Way series are workshops of introduction, full 12-week programmes, courses for retirees (because it’s never too late to begin!), and other programmes that extend the Artist’s Way experience.
Writing Naturally
An immersive experience that combines forest bathing with reflective writing practice! It has been proven that spending time in nature reduces stress and allows our minds to relax – so just imagine what inspiration may strike in that mindful state! Together we will meander through forests or parks, pausing to reflect on our surroundings and on the page. We will read and respond to nature poetry, and even write some of our own. Please note that Writing Naturally workshops take place outdoors; consider the weather and accessibility of the terrain before booking.
Bottled Poetry
A customisable workshop where participants will be guided through a tasting of wines (or beer/spirits) by a winery (or brewery/distillery) staff member, after which an Innings Gate Co. facilitator will show everyone how they can turn those notes into a poem – with no writing experience required. We will use purposeful self-reflective (aka reflexive) writing practice to craft poetry that unlocks creativity and promotes wellbeing. Our Bottled Poetry workshop is a fun way to infuse creativity into a special events calendar in any season. No writing experience is required; all guests need is pen and paper – you provide the wine.
Special Events
Throughout the year, special events may be held on an ad hoc basis, including seasonal or themed workshops, one-off guest appearances, collaborations and more! Click the link to find out what’s new!
Our workshops can be custom-delivered for workplaces, community groups or special events, and delivered virtually or in-person. Some of our partners include Toronto Public Library, Hamilton Public Library, Art Gallery of Hamilton, Boomerang, NorthWords Writers’ Festival, Back Lane Studios, True Elk Luxury Wellness Retreats, Culture Days, and Hamilton Arts Week.
To discuss how IGCo. can help your organisation design or deliver a reflexive writing workshop, send us a note of interest →
Academic Teaching
Alongside her facilitation work, Carolyn is an experienced lecturer and academic. She has taught Communications, Journalism, Creative Writing, Media Studies, and Academic Skills across Further Education, Higher Education, Continuing Professional Education, and micro-credential programmes. Most recently a Tutor at the University of Dundee, she is also a part-time Postgraduate Researcher whose interdisciplinary research spans creative writing, humanities, wellbeing, and qualitative inquiry.
Combining extensive senior communications leadership with a student-centred teaching approach, Carolyn designs engaging curricula that supports diverse learners, preparing students for academic and professional success through face-to-face, blended and online learning.
Select courses taught include:
- Access Summer School: Academic & Professional Skills | Summer 2026 | University of Dundee
- Destination College: Writing for Wellbeing | Spring 2024 | Mohawk College
- Essential Communication Skills | Winter 2024, Fall 2024, Winter 2023 | Mohawk College
- The Art of Effective Copy Editing | Fall 2022, Fall 2023 | Sheridan College
- Planning Your Freelance Business | Winter 2022, Fall 2022, Winter 2023 | Sheridan College
- How to Get Your Work Published | Winter 2022, Fall 2022 | Sheridan College
- Media & Storytelling | Summer 2022 | Wilfrid Laurier International College
- Blogging for Fun and Profit | Summer 2022 | Sheridan College
- Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes | Spring 2022 | McMaster University
- Poetry Writing | Spring 2019 | Mohawk College
- Creativity Unlocked | Winter 2019 | Mohawk College
- Introduction to Journalism | Winter 2019 | Mohawk College