Lynda Monk
Lynda Monk, MSW, RSW, CPCC, is the Director of the International Association for Journal Writing. She is a Registered Social Worker and a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach. She has a speciality in therapeutic journaling for self-care, burnout prevention, personal growth, and resilience.
Lynda is co-editor, along with Eric Maisel, of two recent books including…
She is the co-author of Writing Alone Together: Journalling in a Circle of Women for Creativity, Compassion and Connection, as well as co-author of the international bestseller Inspiration for a Woman’s Soul: Choosing Happiness. She is the author of an e-book called Life Source Writing: A Reflective Journaling Practice for Self-Discovery, Self-Care, Wellness and Creativity, and producer of the Creative Wellness Guided Meditations CD. She is currently writing Surrender: An Adoptee’s Memoir.
Lynda is an experienced facilitator and coach, and has supported thousands of people to go to the page and write for well-being, self-expression and personal growth. She has authored many in-person courses, workshops and writing retreats, as well as many online course offerings including Pen to Paper: Journaling for Self-Care & Wellness through the University of British Columbia and Dalhousie University. Her signature 6-week online group coaching, The Transformational Writing for Wellness Salon is available through the IAJW.org.
As leader of the IAJW, she is committed to growing a vibrant learning and inspirational community for journal writers worldwide. Lynda lives with her husband, Peter, their two sons, Jackson and Jesse, and their beloved Sadie girl (a Golden Retriever) on Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada, where she tries her best to write every day.
"We, at the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration were fortunate to have Lynda join us for a session on journaling as a part of our wellness program, Let’s Be. Since her time with us, participants have approached me via email and in the hallways to tell me how filling they found the experience and how it has “fed their souls” and “reintroduced them to themselves through their own writing”. Lynda had a huge impact over a short session. The follow-up and resources she provided were of significant value and continue to serve long after the time we spent together. I would highly recommend Lynda to anyone who is interested in experiencing a lasting, meaningful, and impactful wellness experience with their colleagues."
Denice Nicholson, Organizational Health Coordinator, Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration.
"I have worked with a number of external presenters and you are, by far, the most courteous, reliable, and engaging presenter that I have had the privilege of hosting. Your presentations were informative, well-organized, and inspiring. Because of your willingness to share your time and knowledge, VA employees from North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska were able to learn how to bring the benefits of journaling back to their own teams and facilities while learning to better utilize journaling for their own wellness) As a veteran of the U.S. Navy, I value people who are committed to lives of service. It is rare that I come across someone whose genuineness and passion for service is not merely a thin veneer that cloaks an ego starved for accolades. Staff sent me messages such as “Where did you find her?” and “She is AMAZING!”. I concur."
Stephanie J. Hartberg, PsyD., Employee Whole Health Coordinator, Fargo VA Healthcare System
"Thank you sooo much. The workshop brought so much more understanding and meaning to why journaling is helpful for our well being. I wrote a lot of notes and I look forward to taking my journaling to a different level.”
Cherry De Castro, Customer Account Specialist II, Logitech
"Lynda provided a virtual session Journaling for Self-Care & Wellness for our Veteran Caregivers with Wounded Warrior Project. She really encouraged self-care for the caregivers by way of journaling and helping with their self-worth. She was so insightful, caring and attentive during our session. Several of the caregivers have reached out after the session to let me know they are inspired to write again and use the tools she provided to help in their goals. Thank you again Lynda for providing this session and giving our caregivers hope again."
Consuela Rodriguez, Wounded Warrior Project