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.
"As I reflect and look back to the beginning of this course several weeks ago, the thread was my desire for writing authentically and letting the writing lead me. The self-compassion piece has been very important since I am finding my way professionally, personally and spiritually through this time of COVID. The exercises The Love Letter to Self, the Self-Acceptance, and the affirmation of not having to do things perfect has been relieving and comforting. I have worked on letting go of the way things used to be, and being in the middle of uncertainty and unpredictability. Ironically, the more letting go I have done, the more is coming to me. I have been surprised, trusted this process and hoped for clarity and direction. I have found clarity and direction through this writing process. I have thoroughly enjoyed the variety of exercises and resources presented by Lynda. During this six-week process I led group on grief and loss and COVID using expressive writing exercises which included The Love Letter to Self. It was very powerful. I am in the process of designing a journal writing series for the near future. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this program." ~ Gail Braverman
"Lynda Monk’s class “Transformational Writing for Wellness Salon” was excellent. It is well-structured, the exercises are motivating, challenging, and revelatory. The course helped me find clarity in my life, discover new aspects of myself, and moved me to a new place spiritually. Lynda’s compassionate one-on-one attention as a reader of my writing reflected back to me what I was expressing in my writing. Her feedback was invaluable, and I felt heard. She brought this same attention and compassion to the group as well. I highly recommend this course for anyone who is seeking more clarity in their life quest." ~ Jo Ann Koltyk
"I recently participated in the Writing for Wellness Salon and can honestly say, I have never participated in a virtual group program where I have gained so much. From day one, Lynda created a safe and welcoming environment which set the tone and allowed all the participants to experience the program to its fullest. I loved the small group atmosphere and honestly felt at ease from the very first class. My goals in participating were to explore more about how journaling could add to my healing journey and overall wellness. I am happy to say that not only were my goals met but they were far exceeded. I learned so much about the various types of journaling and even experimented with writing forms that I didn’t think I could do or would enjoy. This opened me up to so much. Lynda is so knowledgeable with journaling and her supportive, caring nature not only encourages you but allows you to go further on your wellness path. What I loved most about the program was the sharing aspect of our writing, not only during the calls but continuously throughout the Salon. The feedback received from the other participants and from Lynda as well as seeing and participating in other people’s writing added so much to the program. I highly recommend the Writing for Wellness Salon to anyone who would like to explore journaling as a wellness tool. You will be glad you did." ~ Louise Veres, Life & Leadership Coach
"The container that Lynda created for the salon experience helped all involved create an incredibly supportive, trusting environment where I felt a closeness that one would not expect could be created so quickly with people who had never met before. It provided me, a person who has never openly shared my writing in this way, with an opportunity to move through the discomfort of sharing and allowed me to grow by doing so. The thoughtful and insightful feedback from others was helpful in gaining confidence in the writing process and in myself. I also learned much from being able to witness everyone else's sharing and provide feedback in return. The course structure, which includes a diverse amount of information from videos, meditations, writing prompts, book excerpts, and more, left me with tools and information that I will continue to refer back to and use over time. I plan to go back through the entire six week process again on my own as I feel each pass through the materials will provide me with more insights as I continue to grow in my journaling practice. That said, the group aspect of the salon was what made the experience so rich and memorable, and I will be forever grateful to the other participants, including Lynda, who showed up openly and honestly each week to share fully in the experience. Lynda adds so much to the salon with her depth of knowledge and wonderful insights -- I will surely take more courses with her in the future, maybe even another round through the salon." ~ Lisa Vaughn, Life Coach
"I just wanted to say thank you again Lynda ~ from the bottom of my heart ~ for gifting this beautiful course. I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it very therapeutic and cathartic ~ as well as creatively stimulating and liberating. It was the perfect accompaniment for me at such a busy time in my life. It never felt like something extra I needed to do ~ rather it was something I wanted to do and something that was of deep benefit to me. I am sure that others have felt these same benefits over the years. You are an excellent writing coach and your insights and nudges were always exactly what I needed. Thank you again!" ~ Elizabeth Bishop, Social Worker
"It was a joy to be able to enroll in this salon a 2nd time. I highly recommend it to everyone - - if time allows. The words flow more freely when Guilt and Uncertainty are not lingering around. I am inspired by others but I need to perfect my work and stop feeling judged or less-than in my writing. You are the absolute BEST facilitator for this process. What I have noticed is that everyone has grown as new styles develop. I am having a whole lot of fun with the Dialog and created a whole document around that which would be like a committee meeting in my head over a project (writing) I am working on. I came up with an expression for myself...."Put down your PomPoms and get back on the field!" It has be a delight knowing you. Thank you from the most gracious part of my heart." ~ Sandra Printer, IAJW Member
"This Salon was truly transformational for me. I loved the way we were introduced to different types of writing and encouraged to try them all. In working through the material, I discovered a love of poetic writing. Writing has now become a regular part of my life. Through my writing, I am learning more about myself and exploring new ideas. Lynda is a very supportive coach, encouraging each of us to go deeper into our writing and trust the process. I highly recommend the Salon." ~ Fiona Lewis, Social Worker
"I release myself from any past mistakes! When I say this I feel a space opening up inside me. I feel lighter. I look forward to filling this airy space with joy and love – not the dread, guilt, shame that used to inhabit this space. What a wonderful feeling! The journal writing I have done in this salon – the weekly exercises, writing prompts and feedback from Lynda – all together helped me see and feel this transformation and I am so grateful." ~ Susan MacLaughlin, Life Coach
"I was in that perfect place to step into change, and this class created a very safe space to begin to explore exactly what I needed. I was a give-go-give junkie, and this journaling made me slow down and think in a profound way. The specific tools gave a structure to journaling that I had not used in a mindful way before. Reflecting really was where I was able to go deep. I will continue to use this and share it with my coaching clients. This is soooooo powerful. Listening to others share and reflect was also very inspiring for me. Thank you for doing what you do in your work and for offering this. It's transformative." ~ Jennifer Wallace, Roots and Wings Life Coaching
"This Writing for Wellness Coaching Circle could not have happened at a better time. The women in our writing circle were who they should have been. Lynda's warm presence sets the environment as one of safety, relaxing and fun. I learned that it doesn't matter what you write about in your journaling practice as long as it comes from the heart. I learned that by being true to who I am – others see that as well. I learned that the gift of journaling is healing, energizing and brings out our wisdom. I would encourage anyone who has thought about journaling, has left journaling for a time, or would like a new way to journal to participate in this circle. I was sad to see it end and will be signing up for another session in the future." ~ Annette Siewertsen, SeaStar Coaching
"Thank you Lynda for your kind strength, powerful facilitation skills and your lovely supportive way of holding the space for me to explore and create my own wellness in your Writing for Wellness Coaching Circle." ~ Norma McClelland, LifesFinalAffair.com
"My time in the Creative Wellness writing group was very rewarding. It was truly a mini retreat from day to day things that seem to encroach on my time. I was truly committed to receiving the full benefit of Lynda's wisdom and guidance. Several insights and new perspectives came out of my time in the Creative Wellness sessions and I quickly learned, in writing fully from the heart, there is no hiding the truth from myself. That inner voice was eager to be heard. Thanks so much Lynda for all you share with others. The gift of you is much appreciated." ~ Linda Prochaska, Social Worker
"The whole experience has been very valuable for me. I have learned a lot about myself. The writing "lessons" and prompts have been helpful in getting me started on a path I will continue." ~ Carol Dodd
"I came to this course with trepidation. First - me? write my feelings? Not going to happen, and secondly - using the internet for communication was not my strong suit. Then I got into it. As a retired health and community service professional, I was used to dealing with the emotions and struggles of others. I had my time with traditional support systems - and they were useful then - but this self help approach was a novelty.
I quickly learned that with Lynda’s support and the encouragement of my ‘group’ I was able to express my reality and by doing so am feeling much more prepared for my next adventure - retirement. I am able to give myself the courage to discover who I am and I have found I quite like this woman of substance." ~ Dianne Moir RN, MSW
"Rarely have I worked with a coach like Lynda, who put incredible care, love and dedication into the process of creating a sacred, emotionally safe and inspiring space for participants in the "Writing for Wellness" program. I joined the program because I wanted to connect more with myself thru writing and have some accountability and motivation to practice this kind of self-care regularly. I felt seen and heard and incredibly nurtured thru Lynda's feedback and the comments offered from other participants. Thank you Lynda for sharing your gifts." ~ Ina Stockhausen, R.P.C. www.GoddessRevealed.ca
"Lynda, thank you for offering the opportunity to call out our deepest selves and honour them by creating this space to write. I found the writing prompts during the calls, as well as the playwork in between, a great way to access the treasure trove of inner wisdom that we all carry. All we have to do is go inwards and ask, and the wisdom runs out onto the page with messages to inspire, reassure and guide us. I particularly liked the wise guide exercise and found it grounded me even after the course was over, because it reminded me that spiritual help is always available to me moment to moment. And lastly Lynda I appreciated the beautiful, nourishing energy you brought to the group, your extensive knowledge and experience in this area of writing for self care, and the encouragement, respect, sensitivity and discernment you showed each of us as we shared our inner selves through writing." ~ Grace Gerry, Counsellor
"Writing for self-care and the Writing for Wellness Coaching Circle is an experience that I will cherish for life. It is a nourishing, uplifting, heart-based program that energized me with the depth of the unique enquiries, structure, fabulous feedback, and beautiful well-researched writing activities. Lynda Monk is a true muse and her conscious, affirming, and healing nature has affected my confidence, creativity and authenticity in such a positive way. One thing I know for sure, is that the value for my money on this course was off the charts! It has inspired me to action and to write to heal myself and the world!" ~ Thea Khama, Coach + Writer, Botswana, South Africa
"This course with Lynda has provided me insight and clarity about my truth. The weekly writing expressions have helped me to develop greater understanding of who I am and how I dance in the world. The intimacy of the coaching circle is vital to the process. The group members each contribute to the learning and the emotion of the group. A truly life affirming experience that has positioned me to embrace and live a fully authentic and robust life. Thank you Lynda." ~ Catherine Simonuvic, Social Worker
“This writing salon has been the best self-guided, one-on-one writing practice I've ever done. I will always appreciate your words of encouragement and coaching. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.” ~ Deb Wandler, Social Work Educator
"I so enjoyed this creative writing time with Lynda. What appealed to me was the small group we had, the length of time (6 weeks) of the course. I found it intimate and so worthwhile, a lovely introduction to writing. Thank you Lynda." ~ Karen Alexander
