Kate Poll

Creative Writing Facilitator | Researcher | Editor

Therapeutic Approaches | Voice & Expression |
Compassion-Led Practice

approach

"I create spaces for authentic growth
and connection through creativity, reflection, and care."

I specialise in Compassion Journalling – a methodology I've developed through my MSc in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes, integrating Compassion Focused Therapy, self-compassion research, and person-centred practice. My work focuses on places where voice gets lost: in caring roles, through burnout, within systems that don't recognise the full story. Through creative writing and reflective practice, I support people to challenge internalised stories about themselves – the narratives of dysfunction or marginalisation that often aren't theirs to carry.Drawing on Gottman communication frameworks applied to self-relationship, Internal Family Systems principles, and therapeutic approaches adapted for creative settings, I create spaces that are neuroinclusive, trauma-informed, and grounded in choice.I work across private practice, social prescribing partnerships (including Age UK, Peabody Trust and Ruils), group facilitation, and co-edit Lapidus International's wellbeing magazine. I have created Compassion Journalling: A Self-Guided Practice for Developing Self-Compassion and Emotional Resilience (2025), a course resource for Athabasca University's MA Writing the Self programme.This work is shaped by lived experience of neurodivergence, care relationships, and the complexities of delayed diagnosis. Writing is my primary tool, alongside visual practices, somatic awareness, and mindfulness techniques – creating spaces where psychological insight meets creative exploration.

Ways To Work Together

Individual Support

One-to-One Creative Support Sessions

Take time to pause, explore, and create – reconnecting with neglected and under-represented parts of yourself, and cultivating a fuller, more self-directed and connected way of being. These sessions place writing and voice at the heart of the process, supported by sound, image, and other creative tools for wellbeing.Together, we’ll focus on what matters most to you, nurturing your strengths, giving voice to overlooked parts of yourself, and discovering fresh ways to navigate life with clarity and confidence. Sessions are gentle, collaborative, and shaped entirely around your needs and interests.

Online: £80 per session, or £288 for a 4-session package (£72/session).
Concession rate: £60 for key workers, students and key workers.

*Key worker discount applies to NHS, education, social care, emergency services, and charity sector workers

Compassion Journalling

A 4-Week Creative Course for Self-Kindness & Wellbeing

A structured exploration of self-compassion through creative writing, psychological frameworks, and embodied practice.Using two-pen dialogue, visual mapping, and mindfulness techniques, you'll develop skills for working with self-criticism, setting boundaries, and building sustainable self-compassion practices. Drawing from Compassion Focused Therapy and self-compassion research, this course integrates evidence-based approaches with creative exploration.Each participant receives a comprehensive 47-page companion guide with frameworks, weekly trackers, and resources for ongoing practice.

4 weekly sessions, 90 minutes each | Online via Zoom | Limited to 8 participants
Investment: £175 | Concession rate: £149 (key workers, students, financial hardship – honour system) |
Subsidised places: One fully funded place available per cohort for those who couldn't otherwise attend – contact me to discuss.For Organisations / Individuals:
I also deliver bespoke or private versions of this course for individuals, groups, or organisations. Pricing on application.

Group Workshops

Regular and one-off workshops available

  • Identity and voice work - Exploring authentic self-expression

  • Creative resilience and wellbeing - Building emotional strength

  • Neuro-affirming creative practice - Honouring diverse ways of being

Full downloadable programme guide available on request

Bespoke Wellbeing Programmes

For organisations and research partnerships

  • Strategically design wellbeing programmes

  • Values aligned initiatives to meet organisation's goals

  • Equipping staff with relational & productivity tools

  • Neuro-affirming inclusive practice frameworks

  • Research-informed programme development

  • Creative evaluation and impact measurement.

impact stories

I have been involved in research projects, publications and collaborative projects that demonstrate the transformative power of compassion-led, neuroinclusive creative practice. This approach can create meaningful change for individuals and communities.

"The Creative Writing session seemed to be particularly impactful for some attendees, and not just those who chose to perform their writing. Val and Kim, support workers at Redbridge, explained that one customer, who is usually very reserved, expressed his thoughts in a way that he never had before during the session. “He felt comfortable sharing his feelings in that room, surrounded by other people opening up” said Val, “It gave him a safe space and the confidence to share his story and his feelings, something we haven’t seen before during his 10 years with Peabody. It’s a real moment of realising how much these services matter."

— Key Worker, Peabody Trust

"Thanks to you, I was able to devote more time and reflection to compassion and to recognise that I became even more mindful... these Monday sessions were the best kind of disruption I have experienced in a long time. I feel it takes someone special to be able to hold this kind of space."

— Compassion Journalling Course participant

"The setting you created allows inner world wisdom to emerge… I felt less alone… other people have similar thoughts… the things people do not talk about in daily life. A beautiful setting to share."

— Workshop participant

Research and Collaboration

Ruils

Independent Living Organisation

What they say...

"Kate showed such understanding and compassion while working with us. Always thinking about our wellbeing
as a priority for all.We appreciate all she has done so much. Our world Needs Love and Kate brought Love to ourselves and writing."

— Ruils Creative Writing group

Lapidus International

The Writing For Wellbeing Community

What they say...

“Having worked closely with Kate on Lapidus International’s board, I can attest that she is the real deal!”

— Rick Wilson, Lapidus Treasurer, 2023-2025

Write In The Head

Arts Funded stroke & Acquired Brain Injury recovery project

Published Work and Interviews

About

I'm a creative facilitator and researcher with an MSc in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes. My work brings together writing, identity, and reflective wellbeing, informed by lived experience of neurodivergence and care relationships.I specialise in Compassion Journalling – a dialogical writing practice that builds self-kindness and emotional resilience through structured reflection. I have created Compassion Journalling: A Self-Guided Practice for Developing Self-Compassion and Emotional Resilience (2025), a course resource for Athabasca University's MA Writing the Self programme. My work explores the therapeutic impact of writing across university and community contexts.Whether working one-to-one or with groups, I design collaborative spaces that invite people to strengthen their voice – on and off the page – building self-confidence and clarity.

Get In Touch

You can reach me via the form below, or contact me directly via email: [email protected] or phone: 07792 5565 78. (+44 77992 55 65 78 Intl).

Based in the UK. Available for remote work and collaborations.

© Kate Poll. Creativity. Compassion. Voice.