Feel Lighter, Kinder, and More Connected - with just a journal and 8 weeks.

You’ve had a tough day. Instead of spiralling into self-criticism, imagine being able to pause, breathe, and offer yourself the kindness you’d show a close friend.
This simple shift can change everything—and I’ll show you how.

If self-criticism or perfectionism
feels like second nature, it’s
time for a softer, more
supportive way forward.

Through my Art Journaling for
Self-Compassion programme,
you’ll discover how to turn those
critical moments into opportunities for self-kindness and connection.

What You’ll Experience: Over 8 weeks, we’ll meet weekly as a small, supportive group to explore self-compassion through simple, powerful art journaling techniques.

There’s no need to consider yourself “arty”. This isn’t about creating perfect pages, it’s about exploring emotions, thoughts, and self-kindness through whatever materials you have on hand (think pens, magazines, maybe your toddlers’ crayons).

Creativity comes easiest when we’re relaxed. So each session will begin with a short relaxation exercise so that we all arrive in the session together, and we will spend the first 10 or so minutes after the relaxation exercise checking in.

Each session will explore one creative prompt and one writing prompt, emailed out prior to the session just so that you can let it settle in your mind a little and see what comes up for you. There will be additional prompts in the session if needed - though for some, one or two of the prompts might keep you writing/doodling/collaging/drawing for the entire time if it touches on something poignant for you. The prompts are there to guide - but go with what comes up for you at the time. You’ll always be emailed all available prompts before and after sessions so you’ll have those to come back to whenever you feel ready.

This isn’t just another journaling workshop. It’s a guided journey where you’ll:

  • Learn how to calm your inner critic and rewrite the narrative in your mind.

  • Turn art and journaling into tools for emotional healing—even if you’re not “arty.”

  • Connect with a group of supportive individuals on the same journey,
    creating a safe space for exploration and growth.

After just the first session, you’ll walk away with:

  • A tangible, creative
    outlet for stress and
    self-reflection.

  • A sense of calm and clarity from our grounding relaxation exercises.

  • The first step toward silencing your inner critic.

What We’ll Cover, Week by Week:

  • Week 1 – Introduction to Self-Compassion & Art Journaling: Get started by visualising what self-compassion looks like for you. We’ll explore how kind we are/how harsh we might be. We’ll also explore what we’d like to get from these 8 weeks and set an intention (this will be personal and individual, and there’s never any obligation to share - for some people, only their journal will know!).

  • Week 2 – Recognising Self-Criticism: Identify and represent your inner critic in a way that feels safe and freeing. Let’s put a face to this name. We’ll explore the inner critic as we start to disempower them.

  • Week 3 – Reframing Self-Judgment with Compassion: This week we’ll explore ways to transform negative self-talk into supportive inner dialogue. We’ll come up with alternative phrases/thoughts/beliefs that we can start practising outside of the sessions in our day-to-day lives until they become more habitual than our inner critic.

  • Week 4 – Cultivating Kindness Towards Yourself: At the half way point, we’ll reflect on small ways to bring self-care and self-kindness into daily life. We’ll check in with what’s come up for you so far and see if there are any stubborn underlying beliefs to address before we continue to tip the balance away from self-criticism. By now you’ll be able to use art journaling for self-care (and I reckon you’ll be hooked!)

  • Week 5 – Embracing Imperfection: Let go of perfectionism and practice accepting yourself, flaws and all. We’ll explore perfectionism, the subtle ways it can show up and the sly ways it can sabotage - and we’ll start to dismantle it in your life. Art journaling is THE best way I’ve found so far to tackle stubborn perfectionist tendencies.

  • Week 6 – Common Humanity & Connection: Discover a sense of shared struggle and connection with others. We’ll know each other by now as a supportive little community. We all had at least one thing in common coming into this process and we’ll be finding out how connection with others is a vital part of your relationship with yourself.

  • Week 7 – Mindfulness and Self-Awareness: Practice observing emotions without judgment, fostering self-compassion through presence.

  • Week 8 – Integrating Self-Compassion into Daily Life: Reflect on your journey and build a self-compassion “toolbox” to carry forward. Now you’ll have everything you need to practice the most effective form of self-care I know, whenever you like.

Each week includes discussions, guided journaling, art prompts, and a chance to reflect within the group. Sharing is always optional, and our sessions provide a calming, supportive environment where you can feel comfortable exploring at your own pace.

Ready to Finally Treat Yourself with the Kindness You Deserve?

This is your chance to transform self-criticism into self-compassion, build emotional resilience, and connect with others on the same journey.

🌟 Spaces are limited, and we start in January 2025!

Practical Details:

  • Materials: No need for fancy supplies – start with whatever you have. Pen and paper work beautifully!

  • Privacy and Sharing: Sharing is optional, and all reflections stay within the group.

  • Creating a Mindful Space: We maintain a respectful, confidential space, fostering trust and comfort for all participants.

There will be two groups running from the second week of January 2025.
These will be:
Sunday (starting 12th) 4-5:15pm;
and Thursday (starting 9th) 5:30-6:15pm GMT.

This programme is a chance to pause, reflect, and build a positive, compassionate relationship with yourself. Ready to begin?

Hi! I’m Elsie, the therapist and coach that runs this programme. If you love the sound of this but still have some questions or would like to chat, send me an email or schedule a 15 minute chat with me here!