Erika Clowes, Ph.D.
Writing Consultation
Background & Philosophy
Writing requires a broad range of skills—abstract thinking, planning, memory, expressive language, theory of mind, attention, motor coordination—that need to be engaged at the same time. So, difficulty with writing is extremely common among creative thinkers and people with learning differences, who tend to have concentrated skills in specific areas.
Over time, repeated experiences of failure and frustration can take a toll on the writer’s mood and coping ability. They may come up with elaborate and engrained avoidance strategies, and stop practicing these critical skill sets.
I bring a unique perspective to this issue, based on an interdisciplinary background in analytic writing instruction, literature, psychoanalytic theory, and professional collaboration with neuropsychologists. I hold a Ph.D. in English from UC Berkeley, and have worked as a writing consultant in the Bay Area for more than 20 years. I understand that traditional teaching methods don't work for everyone, and that writing skills often include unwritten elements, like anxiety management, time awareness, and visual-spatial conceptualization.
I work in creative collaboration with my clients to make their written work less stressful, more lively, and more deeply developed.
I work one-on-one with adults and children; I am also available for consultation with parents, school staff, and service providers.