“My experience was unusual for me. Generally, it takes me time to open up and read my writing–doesn’t usually happen at the first meeting, but there was so much warmth and acceptance in the room. The format of “attentive listening” was also helpful to me in order to be able to open up so quickly. Your environment creates a “holding” space for the writing rather than a “critiquing” space. Also, it was an unusual group–everyone was so respectful of the others writing. No egos, just “presence.”

Your tenderness for each writer’s experience comes through in your verbal comments and non verbal physical reaction (putting your hand on your heart with a gentle smile on your face when someone has read something that has touched tears).”