Emma McKenzie, Creative Writing Tutor

Dr. Annette Greenwood interviews Emma McKenzie, a fascinating professional who transitioned from occupational therapy in the NHS to creative writing after pursuing her lifelong passion that began with journaling at age six during a difficult life transition. Emma now teaches creative writing and uses it as eco-therapy, currently pursuing a PhD in humanity creative writing while working on innovative projects like Converge at York St John University. The conversation reveals how creative writing serves as a powerful tool for mental health recovery, with Emma arguing that creativity is essential to wellbeing and should be as accessible as physical gyms. They discuss the persistent stigma around mental health treatment, highlighting how people readily accept physical hospitalization but fear psychiatric care, and explore how the medical model often strips away the very elements of identity and connection that promote healing – personal belongings, relationships, and creative expression.