About me

I’m Kate Poll – therapeutic creative writing facilitator, founder of the Compassion Journalling methodology, and someone who spent a very long time being extremely helpful to everyone except myself.

I hold an MSc in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes and work across private practice, community settings, and social prescribing partnerships. My Compassion Journalling course is used as a resource on Athabasca University’s MA Writing the Self programme.

My work sits at the intersection of self-compassion research, Compassion Focused Therapy, and the kind of writing that surprises you with what it turns out to know.

If you’d like to work with me – individual sessions, courses, or workshops – you can find full details at katepoll.co.uk.

Testimonials

What participants say…

“This course provided a gentle, safe space to explore the importance of being compassionate to ourselves through the power of writing. Kate is an excellent facilitator and I felt attended to and held throughout the course. I came away feeling lighter and much more aware of the need for compassion to be present in my life – for me. I also loved writing the joint pantoum with our small and lovely group.” — Alexandra Harrington

“I really would recommend trying it if you have any interest in building or repairing your inner dialogue with yourself. Insightful and fun.” — Hamish

“Thanks to you, I was able to devote more time and reflection to compassion and to recognise that I became even more mindful of the meaning it holds in my life. These Monday sessions were the best kind of disruption I have experienced in a long time. I feel it takes someone special to be able to hold this kind of space.” — Poonam

“Self-compassion brought me awareness of my inner self – my experiences, feelings and expectations. A gentle touch, non-judgmental, a kind voice seeking a space. Highly recommend self-compassion to discover your authentic emotional self.” — Goreti Marinho, RUILS and Age UK member

“The setting you created allows inner world wisdom to emerge. I felt less alone – other people have similar thoughts, the things people do not talk about in daily life. A beautiful setting to share.” — Elizabeth, Compassion Journalling course participant

“I loved this so much. You are a wonderful facilitator. The way you listen and engage with us is so warm. Genuinely such a lovely introduction to Compassion Journalling – supportive, encouraging and informative. You’re very skilled at taking what we say, honouring our truth and adapting it to suit the rest of the group, while still honouring what each person said.” — Saskia, Compassion Journalling course participant

What organisations say…

“Kate showed such understanding and compassion while working with us, always thinking about our wellbeing as a priority. We appreciate all she has done so much. Our world needs love and Kate brought love to ourselves and to writing.” — RUILS Creative Writing Group

“He felt comfortable sharing his feelings in that room, surrounded by other people opening up. It gave him a safe space and the confidence to share his story and his feelings – something we haven’t seen before during his 10 years with Peabody. It’s a real moment of realising how much these services matter.”
— Val, Support Worker, Peabody Trust