Format: online, closed women-only group
Dates: Wednesday, 16 September 2026 to Wednesday, 31 March 2027 (1 session per fortnight; optional sessions may be offered in alternate weeks)
Times: 18.30 – 20.30
Cost: £900 (monthly instalments and concessions available)
A carefully facilitated six-month online course for women exploring how boarding school and separation may continue to shape identity, belonging, relationships and voice. Lucy Windridge-Floris and Susan McQuaker bring together their combined experience and training in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes, Narrative Bibliotherapy and Dramatherapy, to offer a course which explores experiences through writing, metaphor, role and embodied practice.
The work unfolds through regular facilitated sessions and optional writing invitations between meetings. The emphasis is on continuity, reflection, and returning to the work over time, rather than intensity or production. There is no expectation to produce finished pieces or to share writing publicly.
What Participants Often Notice
- Insight – increased emotional awareness
- Agency – clearer boundaries
- Homecoming – a greater sense of belonging
- Expression – renewed confidence in creative voice
- Body of work – a growing collection of writing
- Subtle but lasting shifts over time
Rather than quick results, the course supports changes that develop steadily through practice, reflection and care.
Lucy Windridge-Floris is an ex-boarder, writer, educator and creative writing practitioner with more than 30 years’ experience across education, healthcare and therapeutic settings. She holds a PhD in Creative Writing and Critical Practice, an MSc in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes, postgraduate training in dramatherapy as well as formal training in Narrative Bibliotherapy and Trauma Counselling.
Susan McQuaker is a psychotherapist, HCPC and BADth registered dramatherapist (requiring supervision), EMDR practitioner, clinical supervisor and trainer in developmental trauma. She has a particular interest in school-related experiences and their continuing impact, alongside extensive experience supporting people affected by trauma, autism, ADHD, anxiety, bereavement and loss.
Full details here.