Unlocking Creativity Through a Trauma-Informed Lens with Sarah Teresa Cook
Jun 18, 2024Today we are thrilled to have Sarah Teresa Cook, a creative mentor and writing coach, join us. Sarah shares her unique journey from academia to social work, and how these experiences have shaped her approach to coaching and mentorship. She emphasizes the importance of a trauma-informed lens in creative practices and how it can help individuals develop a healthier relationship with their creativity.
"I have this vision of a world where trauma informed practices and communication are the norm and are not a specialty that we have to go into certain places to access."
Sarah discusses the intersection between her background in creative writing and her work in social services, specifically housing advocacy for foster youth and adults with mental illness. She highlights the significance of addressing both the tangible and emotional aspects of creativity, advocating for a holistic approach that nurtures both the practical skills and the tender, often hidden, emotional layers of creative work.
"There's a quality of thought, a quality of self attention and self awareness that just can't be replicated elsewhere."
We delve into the concept of strengths-based editing and why it is crucial for fostering growth and confidence in writers. Sarah also talks about her vibrant community on Substack, where she hosts monthly virtual gatherings called "Resiliency Circles," offering a supportive space for creative exploration and reflection.
"Everybody has an interesting voice and story to tell."
For listeners interested in deepening their creative practice, Sarah is offering a special giveaway: a two-month complimentary subscription to her Substack community, including access to two Resiliency Circle gatherings. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with a community that celebrates creativity in a nurturing and inclusive environment.
00:00:12 " I call myself a creative mentor and creative writing coach
00:02:54 " Why do you feel it's important to bring trauma informed lens into creative practices
00:06:55 " Tell me who your clients are and how they find you. It's such a good question
00:09:03 " Sarah says everyone benefits from having a relationship with writing
00:11:06 " How would you encourage writing practice for neurodivergent learners
00:15:07 " Let's talk about strengths based editing and why it's important
00:18:34 " Tell us about your community, Sarah. Can you be more specific? Are you talking about my sub stack community
00:20:46 " You have a giveaway for your listeners through substack before your newsletter
To connect with Sarah and learn more about her work, visit her website at sarahteresacook.com. Be sure to check out the show notes for the link to sign up for the Substack giveaway!
We hope you enjoy this insightful and inspiring episode. If you find it valuable, please share it with others who might benefit from Sarah's wisdom and experience.
Get all the links, resources and show notes here: https://wellnesscentercreators.com
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About Sarah Teresa Cook
Sarah Cook is an Autistic writer, poet, and creativity mentor. Through 1:1 coaching and small group work, she helps people build resilient creative practices both on and off the page. She lives in Oregon, where she publishes For the Birds, a Substack newsletter about creativity, resilience, and the natural world. Learn more at sarahteresacook.com.
Sarah’s Links
- InstaGram: @freelance.feminist.
- Substack: sarahcook.substack.com
About Anna Rudel
Anna Rudel, L. Ac is the owner and founder of Lokahi Acupuncture Clinic in San Jose California, founded in 2003. Anna is a master organizer and clinician, and as a Coach she specializes in working with Clinic Owners in the state of California, and Acupuncturists and Acupuncture Clinic Owners, or groups wanting to add Acupuncture worldwide, as well as teams that need support with employee retention and satisfaction. Born in the UK, Anna has traveled extensively in Asia and now has a thriving multi-practitioner clinic in the US!
Anna's Website and Links
- Website: https://lokahiacupuncture.com/
- Learn Group Coaching: https://www.wellnesscentercreators.com/group-coaching
- For info about Individual Coaching: https://www.wellnesscentercreators.com/individual-coaching
About Kendall Hagensen
Kendall is a Somatic Mental Health Therapist, Multidisciplinary Clinic Owner and Business Coach. She specializes in, and is passionate about, working with healthcare professionals to create the businesses of their dreams. Big goals always have a psychological component beneath the surface, so Kendall uses her background in Somatic Psychotherapy and EMDR Therapy mixed with Business Coaching tools to help clients develop a healthy relationship with their business and their strength as a leader.
As someone who lives with a chronic illness herself, Kendall feels that health happens best within community, which is why she takes a holistic, integrative, and collaborative wellness approach to her personal and professional life.
Kendall’s Web/Social Links