Photo : © JF Paga-Grasset
Psychiatry is literature: a meeting with Nathalie Skowronek
On the occasion of the Mental Health Information Weeks, come and attend a literary meeting with the author of the book "La Voix des Saules", published in 2024, and Yann Diener, columnist, essayist and psychoanalyst.
Bibliothèque Benoîte Groult (Paris 14th)
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About
"Contacted to run creative writing workshops in a psychiatric setting, Nathalie Skowronek, who has never led one, wonders what she could possibly contribute to people suffering from psychological disorders. Yet, without understanding why, she accepts..." Throughout the sessions, the author opens up and answers questions from the patients of the Les Saules workshops. A game of inverted mirrors presents itself to the eyes of the readers, in which these writing workshops, far from the usual occupational activities, serve the patients as much as the author herself.
Can art heal? During this meeting and throughout the discussion between Nathalie Skowronek and Yann Diener, discover a text that does good. A text about the power of writing and the ability of reading to put words to pain, to express the complexity of the mind, human suffering, and to state anxieties and the surrounding chaos.
Nathalie Skowronek is a Belgian writer born in 1973. She worked in publishing and fashion before releasing a family trilogy published by Arléa ("Karen et moi", "Max, en apparence", "Un monde sur mesure"). In 2020, she received the European Union Prize for Literature for "La carte des regrets" (ed. Grasset, 2020).
In 2024, "La voix des Saules" (ed. Grasset, 2024) and "Chienne de guerre" (ed. Cotcotcot, 2024) were also published by Grasset. She has also led the writing workshop at the Antonin Artaud club, a day center for adults suffering from psychological difficulties. Since September 2023, she has been teaching novel writing at the Sorbonne.
Yann Diener is a psychoanalyst in Paris, a member of the Lacanian School of Psychoanalysis, a columnist for Charlie Hebdo, and moderator of a seminar titled "La mâchoire de Freud". From his research, he has drawn his last two books "L’inconscient inculqué à mon ordinateur" (ed. Premier Parallèle, 2025) and "La mâchoire de Freud" (ed. Gallimard, coll. L’Arpenteur, 2024). He works at the Sainte-Anne hospital, where he created the "Inconscient et machines" laboratory.
Find all free events requiring registration at the Benoîte Groult library.
Our take on this event
Witness a profound intersection between literature and the human psyche as Nathalie Skowronek shares her transformative experience leading writing workshops in a psychiatric setting. This intimate conversation navigates the thin line between healing and expression, proving that finding words for our deepest struggles can be a liberation. Join us for a reflection on how creativity holds the key to untangling our complex mental landscapes.
Join author Nathalie Skowronek and psychoanalyst Yann Diener at the Bibliothèque Benoîte Groult on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 19:00 to 20:30. This discussion explores the intersection of literature and psychiatry, focusing on how writing can help process complex human suffering. Open to adults aged 18 and over, this event is free of charge and fully wheelchair accessible. Please note that booking is required, which can be done on-site, by phone, or through the designated online ticketing platform to secure your attendance.
Nathalie Skowronek shares her unique experience leading creative writing workshops for adults facing psychological challenges, a journey that inspired her recent publications. She will be joined by Paris-based psychoanalyst Yann Diener to debate whether art can truly heal. Their conversation will highlight how literature acts as a tool to articulate anxieties and find words for the complexities of the human mind.
The event takes place at the Bibliothèque Benoîte Groult, located at 25 Rue du Commandant René Mouchotte in the 14th arrondissement. Participation is open to those 18 years and older, and the venue provides full wheelchair access. As this is a popular gathering, please ensure you reserve your spot in advance to join this thought-provoking dialogue on the power of writing and therapy.
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