#61 The Healing Power of Words: Exploring Bibliopoetry Therapy with Nancy ScherlongWhat 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:What is bibliopoetry therapy, and how can it help you heal?The role of metaphors in improving wellbeing and unlockingcreativityHow Nancy’s personal experiences shaped her career and approach to therapySimple journalling techniques to process emotions and find clarityThe neuroscience behind writing and its impact on the brainHow group work and storytelling can amplify the healing process “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:Why there are no rules in journalling – creativity is your guideHow to use writing to externalize worries and internalize joyThe power of combining movement (like walking) with reflective writingWhy metaphors are a natural and powerful tool for self-discoveryConnect with Nancy Please connect with Nancy to learn more about her work, to book onto an event or further our conversation. WebsiteFacebookLinkedInEventbrite"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:The International Federation of Bibliopoetry TherapyKay AdamsThe University of Derby Nature Connectedness Research GroupJames PennebakerEmily DickinsonMatt HaigMalcolm GladwellTim FerrisNeuroscience NewsDeborah RossNarrative MedicineThe Good Listening ProjectPodcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction03:52 Understanding Interactive Bibliopoetry Therapy06:30 The Power of Expressive Writing Techniques09:23 The Role of Creativity in Healing12:00 Nancy's Path to Becoming a Therapist14:43 The Impact of Personal Experience on Professional Growth17:50 The Intersection of Science and Creativity20:17 Reading and Writing as Lifelong Practices22:55 Journaling Techniques for Personal Growth31:52 Creative Approaches to Self-Expression36:18 The Power of Metaphors: Nature and Wellbeing45:28 Exploring Therapeutic Techniques: From Writing to EMDR51:52 Future Endeavours: Merging Storytelling and Healing_ _ _ A new episode is released every other Saturday at 8 am.Loved this episode? Leave a review or share your thoughts on social media – your feedback helps others discover the podcast and keeps the conversation going.Please download your free journal planner PDF and entrance meditation to kickstart your journalling journey.Please connect with me on your preferred platform by ⁠visiting my links pageJoin my bi-weekly Writing and Nature Connection newsletter

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