Renata Azman is a Slovenian journalist, author and mental health survivor.  In April, Renata ran her second therapeutic writing workshop here at the CEIMH.

Feedback from the sessions:
"Very supportive - interesting - inspiring - helpful.  Got to know people much better.  Revisiting subjects after 3 days was helpful.  Renata gave me things to think about in the future.  Great to publish on the website.  Great comfortable atmosphere.  We want another workshop in 2010!"

"Brilliant!  Awe inspiring!  Renata was very open and honest and she encouraged us all to be the same.  I have learned so much from Renata and what she teaches really does work.  I have enjoyed the group work and the individual contributions.  I hope there will be more workshops like this - and we need a moving forward group.  Thank you very much to everyone concerned with this project - it has definitely aided my survivor recovery journey."

"Friendly - supportive - non-judgemental.  People were very supportive of each other's contributions and I think we learned a little about the group."

"My initial though was that it might be an ordinary writing course.  I was stunned to discover that it is, in fact, immensely helpful in sorting out long term problems in a unique and friendly way.  The use of chain letters has changed my whole life around and helped me resolve a deeply painful and private issue.  All the others on the course have inspired and supported me, and Renata has been extremely kind and supportive.  She should be asked back without hesitation!"

"I have not done therapeutic or creative writing before, and was sceptical as to whether I'd manage to put my feelings on paper.  In fact Renata provided a very reassuring and encouraging presence and I had not difficulty expressing myself.  I have been able to allow emotions to escape that I've unhealthily fought hard to contain.  I'm concerned that the chain letter, diary and life story methods have already been very helpful and will continue to be so if I can follow through my resolve to continue."