#35: Dr Donna Lyon, Left Write Hook

Content warning: In this episode, we discuss the themes of sexual abuse and childhood trauma. If you or someone you know is/are struggling, please seek professional support. If you are in Australia you can call LifeLine 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.

Dr Donna Lyon is the founder of Left Write Hook, which started as a program incorporating boxing and creative writing to support female-identifying and gender-diverse adult survivors of sexual abuse. After battling with a laundry list of symptoms linked to her childhood sexual abuse and trauma, Donna embarked on a healing and alternative justice journey that led her to sobriety, inclusive faith, boxing and getting a PhD. Donna's background is in the arts, filmmaking and education and after a not-so-successful amateur fighting career, she decided to combine her passion for boxing with creative writing to help other survivors like her regain a sense of agency over their bodies and their trauma. Left Write Hook has evolved. It is now also a book, a documentary, and a fast-growing charity- supporting more and more survivors each year.

In this episode, Megan and Donna talk about what happens in the program and reflect on their own engagement in creative writing practices and their embodied experiences of boxing. Donna shares some of the results of the program so far, seeing benefits like a reduction in PTSD and increases in markers of wellbeing. Donna also shares her healing journey, the inspiration she found from peer support-based programs and what it was like to launch the first Left Write Hook program. Donna and Megan both acknowledge the benefits that can be found when we heal in community, rather than isolation. We encourage others to engage in alternative programs like Left Write Hook alongside receiving professional support.

Left Write Hook will have its World Premiere at the 2024 Melbourne International Film Festival, with metro and regional MIFF screenings from 14 - 25 August. You can find more information and tickets here.

Find out more about the Left Write Hook program and the book.

Left Write Hook is a registered charity dedicated to helping victim-survivors of child sexual abuse and complex trauma safely connect to, express, release and heal from their trauma. You can make a tax-deductible donation that will go directly towards supporting their work. More information here.

Host: Megan Corcoran, Wagtail Institute, https://wagtailinstitute.com/

Have you been hoping for an opportunity to participate in a Wagtail Insitute workshop? We have one coming up on October 25th: An Introduction to trauma-informed wellbeing. Find out more here.

Wagtail Institute empowers schools and complex settings to become trauma-informed wellbeing communities of practice where everyone can thrive. We work alongside leaders, educators, and practitioners to respond to wellbeing challenges, enhance trauma-informed practice, and navigate pathways to healing. If you would like to work with Megan, head to our website or send an email: [email protected]

Wagtail Institute on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wagtail.institute/

The episode is brought to you by our sponsor, Teachers' Well. You can learn more about their work or purchase a compass journal here: https://www.teacherswell.com/

Music by Kabbilistic Village https://kabbalisticvillage.com/