We can all go through difficult times. My love of words and wanting to help people find their own voice, share their own stories and shape their own their wellbeing led me to become a reflective writing facilitator.

I am also a communications specialist working on climate resilience programmes across Africa, and central and South Asia. I work with researchers around the world to ‘translate’ and share climate science with policymakers, donors, businesses, development organisations, academia and the media.

Climate and environmental change affect us all. This includes people globally bearing the brunt of climate impacts, and researchers, decision makers and journalists who work in the climate, development and humanitarian sectors. Working with researchers in the climate and development field for a decade has shown me that we need more candour, with honest conversations about our relationships with a changing climate and the impact that working in these sectors can have on us as people. I design and facilitate reflective writing workshops to support researchers and decision makers in the climate, development and humanitarian fields, as well as mental health professionals who support others. My sessions are safe spaces where they can reflect on the complex relationships they may have with their work, and its impact on their personal and organisational wellbeing.

I’m passionate about learning more about the impact of climate and environmental change, and climate action, on mental health, and have written on the need for more knowledge on climate and psychosocial resilience. I am also a member of the UK-based Climate Psychology Alliance. I’m also fascinated by the potential impact of reflective writing on how our brains function, the role that culture plays in our wellbeing and how we understand what being well means, and how this then shapes health and wellbeing policy.

In my own life, I combine meditation with reflective writing as part of my practice. I have an MSc in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes and am a member of the international writing for wellbeing organisation Lapidus.

Before this, I was a freelance journalist and photographer for the international print media, specialising in human rights, development and conflict in South Asia. I also hold an MSc in Comparative Politics - Conflict Studies.

Rajeshree Sisodia