Brave on the Page™

Individuals • Organizations • Education

The image displays the words 'brave on the page' with 'brave' in green, 'on the' in black, and 'page' in blue. There is an illustration of an open book above the word 'brave'. At the bottom, a phrase reads, 'Find your voice, explore your story, grow your courage.'

Brave on the Page™: An expressive writing experience that helps you find your voice, explore your story and grow your courage.

Hi. I’ve created this offering because writing has helped me make sense of myself—and my place in the world—for as long as I can remember.

As a longtime author and storyteller with clinical training in mental health counseling, I now offer the transformative experience of uncensored words to paper through Brave on the Page, an expressive writing workshop that invites individuals to find their voice, explore their story, gain clarity, and grow their courage—on the page and in their life.

Let’s explore what awaits you through your own self discovery! Trust me, you’ll be awed by yourself. No writing experience necessary.

Inquire OR add yourself to my wait list for the next workshop!

Brave writing for individuals, groups + classrooms (in-person and online)

For Individuals

For individuals open to joining a shared writing experience to spark self-discovery, explore one’s story, cultivate inner awareness and build connection.

For Groups, Non-profits, Organizations

For teams, ERGs and organizations looking to strengthen community, cultivate belonging + deepen connection with self and others through writing.

For Classrooms and Educators

For classroom and educational groups looking to deepen self-expression, emotional awareness, and connection through a different kind of writing experience.

How a workshop works.

The 'how' is the beauty, clarity, and self-discovery that emerge when you bring an open heart and a willing spirit to the page. While no two Brave on the Page workshops are the same—shaped by the unique presence and courage of each writer—the foundation remains constant:

  • Creative guided prompts for writers to meander wherever inspiration beckons. As a lifelong artist, I love using unique entry points—like paint swatches, song lyrics, or elements from nature—to spark deep self-discovery.

  • Ample and spacious writing time

  • A safe, nurturing and supportive environment

  • Opportunity to share if desired

Workshops are offered in person and online, and are intentionally kept small to preserve depth, care, and connection.

A young woman reading from a book, standing next to a seated older woman, in a cozy indoor space with shelves and a window showing trees outside.
Open notebook with handwritten text on a person's left hand, holding a red pen, on a desk with printed documents in the background.
A person holding a Polaroid photo of a woman with red hair holding hands with a young girl, walking through a sunflower field. 
Quiet writing time to explore thoughts and feelings without pressure or performance.

Creative Guided Prompts

Creative guided prompts that unlock insight, spark self discovery and connect participants to their inner voice and knowing.

Quiet Writing Time

An invitation to share with others, offering witnessing and affirmation — always optional.

Safe + Nurturing Environment 

Experience enhanced emotional wellbeing in a safe, nurturing environment guided by a trained mental health professional.

Witnessing + Support

And why it works.

Because research supports how the act of writing changes the brain. Writing is a form of thinking (and more impactful when done by hand vs. typing). In 1980s, psychologist James Pennebaker developed a therapeutic technique called expressive writing to help patients process trauma and psychological challenges. He discovered that when people use personal or reflective writing to create mental distance from a feeling, challenge or happening — they experience increased emotional wellbeing, newfound clarity and a lighter ‘cognitive load’ (Johnston, 2025). In short, expressive writing helps to:

• Boost resilience

• Reframe experiences

• Regulate emotions

• Make meaning

• Spark self-discovery

• Cultivate belonging

And… the experience of translating thoughts to paper can be fun and satisfying! I have watched people surprise and amaze themselves with what they are able to communicate through writing that they didn’t know resided within. When we can witness this process for others, we remind one another we aren’t alone in our humanity. And THAT is one of the biggest gifts of all.

Johnston, E. R. (2025, January 1). Writing: The hobby that can rewire your brain and help you build resilience. The Independent. https://www.the-independent.com/life-style/health-and-families/writing-letter-books-mental-health-b2893335.html

Vase with pink flowers on a granite countertop outdoors with a wooded background and a small colorful yurt in the distance.

Reflections from past participants

  • “I simply didn't want the workshop to end.”

    Marianne’s Brave on the Page workshop was exactly what I needed to jumpstart my dormant writing practice. Under Marianne’s kind, encouraging and inspiring guidance, I found my inner voice and set it to paper once again.

    — Betsy B., Participant, Individual Workshop

  • “It truly was powerful.”

    Our Brave on the Page workshop with our caregivers was such an amazing session. They stayed on the call 20 minutes beyond our time sharing. It truly was powerful and hopefully something that can happen more often.

    — Alex Houston, Community Education Specialist, Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago

  • “Cathartic."

    I really enjoyed the class and instructor. It helped me unlock my love for writing again and was cathartic.

    — Partipant, Mending Hearts Recovery Center, Nashville, TN

  • “I loved it!”

    Marianne is such a talent and such a caring, open person. In the 90 minute session, she created a truly beautiful space for us to write in and to share ourselves. I loved it!”

    — Kay M., Participant, Individual Workshop

  • “Brave on the Page will transform your spirit!”

    Marianne is such a warm, thoughtful and supportive person who creates such a fabulous environment and experience to write what your heart and soul wishes to sing, honor, ponder, mourn and celebrate in such a wonderful manner. Brave on the Page will transform your spirit! I absolutely loved it.

    — Amy K., Participant, Individual Workshop

  • “Touches the writer where she is...”

    Brave on the Page touches the writer where she is.  No matter the background or experience, the writer will explore how to be brave, how to be vulnerable, how to say, “yes!” my words have value. Marianne not only guides but nurtures individuals and shares her own amazing talents and expertise in a relaxed, safe setting.  

    — Jayne V., Participant, Individual Workshop

  • “An awesome experience.”

    This was an awesome experience to meet other incredible women who share the desire to find their voice, explore and share their very unique experiences with equally raw and beautiful clarity.”

    — Liz B., Participant, Individual Workshop