The understory

“The lure of writing is the lure towards deep listening.” – Kate Prendergast

Sustained by the woodland ecology of Dja Dja Wurrung land, my practice The understory offers creative writing teaching and learning, writing for therapy, community projects and consultation.

As well as my own methods and expertise as a writer, I bring extensive teaching experience to a changing series of private writing walks, retreats and workshops located in Regional Victoria, Melbourne, and online. I’ve been privileged to lead non-profit workshops for kids and community groups, as well as 15 years as an awarded Creative Writing lecturer and internationally published researcher of Australian literature. I’m an Honorary Fellow at RMIT University and member of its non/fictionLab research group.

Now combining this with psychotherapy, I’m fascinated by the ways that writing uncovers what feminist psychologist Carol Gilligan calls “the story under the story”. Whether for fun, craft or healing, writing contains our bodies, histories and relationships. Informed by Narrative Practice, Nature-Based Therapy and Existential Art Therapy, I am available to work with community groups and organisations. I hold a PhD (Arts), BCA (Hons) and a Grad. Cert. (Psychology), and have completed training in Narrative Therapy at the Dulwich Centre. I’m a member of the Australian Psychological Society and Psychology for a Safe Climate.

I’m always curious to discuss individual needs and custom enquiries, as well as collaborations. Have a look at what’s coming up or contact me.