In this episode, Dr. Shainna chats with Dr. Zach Bloom, a counselor educator, therapist, and author who helps us explore the value of creative writing as a self-care strategy.

Tune in to explore:

• How to tap into creative writing beyond journaling

• How creative writing helps us improve our mental health

• Obstacles that get in the way of creative writing

• Types of creative writing to try

• Things to consider when delving into creative writing

• Creating an environment conducive to creativity

• Dr. Bloom’s experiences with creative writing as a mental wellness resource

• Prompts for creative writing

About Dr. Bloom

Zachary D. Bloom, PhD, is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and marriage and family therapist in Illinois where he works with clients from trauma-informed, holistic, and wellness-based lens. As an associate professor, he teaches master's level courses in individual, couple, and family counseling. Outside of his clinical work, he writes horror and poetry by candlelight.

Therapy with Dr. Bloom

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About Dr. Shainna:

Dr. Shainna is a mental health counselor, educator, and advocate who is passionate about destigmatizing mental health counseling and helping individuals worldwide recognize the importance of fostering mental wellness. She is the creator of The Self-Love Workbook, The Self-Love Workbook for Teens, Luna Finds Love Everywhere: A Self-Love Book for Kids, The Self-Love Planner, and Designing Healthy Boundaries. She has been featured through outlets such as ABC, CBS, NPR Washington Post, and Insider. Dr. Shainna’s passion for promoting mental health awareness and access inspired her to host the Mental Wellness Practice Podcast. Dr. Shainna is the owner and operator of Integrated Counseling Solutions, LLC, a strengths-based clinical mental health and consulting practice located in Central Florida. Additionally, she has served on the Board of Directors of The Mental Health Association of Central Florida and is a past president of the Florida Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development. Dr. Shainna has been honored with the Association for Specialists in Group Work's Al Dye Award, the Pete Fischer Humanitarian Award, and UCF’s 30 under 30 and Noble Knight distinctions for her efforts in promoting mental wellness. You can learn more through her website www.DrShainna.com or follow along on Instagram @DrShainna.

Mental Wellness Resources:

Designing Healthy Boundaries

The Self-Love Workbook

The Self-Love Workbook for Teens

The Self-Love Planner

Luna Finds Love Everywhere

Find a Mental Health Provider:

National Alliance on Mental Illness

National Mental Health Lifeline

Open Path

Therify

Melanin & Mental Health

Inclusive Therapists

Therapy for Black Girls

Asian Mental Health Collective

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for mental health counseling. If you are experiencing a mental health concern, please seek professional help.