Facilitation Services
Helping teams and communities build trust, connection and creative clarity
Rooted in principles of equity, embodiment and creative collaboration, Preeti offers workshops, retreats, and custom programs that use the arts as a tool for personal transformation, team building, exploring specific topics or challenges within communities, and more.
Preeti has designed and delivered offerings for a wide range of audiences, including law schools (students and staff), social justice organizations, businesses, school boards, non-profits and arts' festivals. With over 20 years of teaching and facilitation experience, she brings a unique intersection of legal, artistic and community-based knowledge that invites honest communication, shared insight and meaningful connection so that teams can navigate complexity, build relational trust and collaborate with greater ease and expanded creativity.
Custom Facilitation & Arts-Based Programming
Helping teams & communities build trust, connection and clarity through creative, trauma-informed workshops
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Team cohesion: building trust and ease where communication has broken down or at inaugural meetings where people are learning one another’s strengths, stories and ways of communicating
Creative clarity: exploring ideas, language and direction during moments of uncertainty or moments of deepening curiosity, such as new projects and new beginnings
Productivity & stress management: renewing purpose, energy and momentum when teams feel stretched thin, helping build resilience and strategies to prevent burnout
Creative community: bringing people together through generative writing and arts-based workshops that foster connection, reflection and shared storytelling
Form & play: guiding groups through poetic forms and collaborative exercises, like the pantoum, to spark experimentation, imagination and collective creativity
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From misalignment → shared understanding
When communication breaks down or teams feel misaligned, work can become heavy and fragmented. My sessions offer a grounded, relational space where people feel heard and understood. Ideally, they happen before breakdown as regular supports but they can also be used to help rebuild safety and foundations for collaboration in the aftermath.From uncertainty → clear language and direction
Many groups struggle to address sensitive topics, power dynamics or big transitions. Through guided reflection and creative methods, I help teams surface what needs to be said, build shared language and move forward with confidence and alignment.From burnout → renewed focus, purpose and momentum
When teams are overextended or disengaged, progress can feel impossible. Using arts-based exercises, reflective writing and intentional conversation, I help groups reconnect to purpose, imagination and energy so that they leave with a renewed relationship to self and actionable self-care techniques.
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Writing for Wellness, Resilience & Sustainable Performance
Workshops designed to support focus, emotional regulation and long-term engagement in high-pressure environments—helping reduce burnout and improve retention. Delivered for professional communities including law faculties at McGill University, University of Windsor, Dalhousie University, University of Alberta and the Vancouver School Board.Facilitated Roundtables & Reflective Dialogue Spaces
Thoughtfully held conversations that support engagement, perspective-sharing, collective sense-making and leadership reflection, especially during moments of change or complexity. Facilitated at arts events and industry gatherings, including the Indian Summer Festival.Foundational Team Alignment & First-Meeting Facilitation
Designed for newly formed teams or initiatives, these sessions establish trust, shared language and ways of working that support collaboration, accountability and long-term cohesion. Facilitated Team Alignment sessions for staff at McGill University and inaugural meeting for the Cultural Stewardship Lab with Access to Media Education.Thematic Writing & Reflection Workshops for Teams
Creative sessions that help teams explore creative or complex ideas such as belonging, collaboration, organizational values or borders. Through guided writing and shared reflection, these workshops support engagement and clarity by giving people space to think, feel and process together. Preeti has delivered such workshops with and for numerous organizations, including Upstart & Crow, Indian Summer Festival, Photographers Without Borders, the Vancouver School Board, and more.Poetry & Creative Writing Workshops for Community & Organizational Settings
Generative writing workshops that invite participants to explore shared themes or poetic forms through reflection, imagination, and craft. These sessions support creative skill-building, emotional literacy and meaningful connection. They’re well suited for community programming, arts festivals, and organizational contexts. Previously delivered in partnership with Upstart & Crow, South Asian Arts’ Monsoon Festival, Indian Summer Festival and the Vancouver School Board. See also Write with Preeti Community Offerings.Language, Values & Meaning-Making Workshops
Sessions focused on how language shapes culture, leadership and decision-making—supporting teams to articulate what matters, name what’s often unspoken and lead with greater intention. Developed with partners including McGill Law, Access to Media Education.Intercultural Communication & Conflict Navigation
Facilitated sessions that strengthen listening, reduce friction and support leadership capacity across difference. These workshops help teams navigate tension with more care, clarity and accountability.See carousel and brochure below for more details and examples! Or contact Preeti to discuss your needs.
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Workshops are available online or in-person depending on your location, and are tailored to your goals, group size and timeline. Fees typically range from $500–$1,500 per session, depending on the length of the workshop, number of participants, whether it’s online or in-person and the type of organization. Each year, a limited number of reduced-fee spots are reserved for nonprofits and community organizations with smaller budgets.
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For organizations looking for something more tailored, Preeti also offers custom facilitation. These sessions are designed in conversation with you and can combine elements from existing workshops or respond to specific goals, questions and/or challenges your team/community is navigating. Together, you’ll shape the focus, format and tone—whether that means centering creativity, dialogue and reflection, or craft and skill-building—to create an experience that aligns with your needs and vision.
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Between Fall 2021 and 2024, McGill law students reported the following:
• 100% of students said they will use what they learned in the workshop
• 100% said they are likely to attend another workshop
• 100% said there was a benefit to attending the workshop
• 92% said having a creative outlet was beneficial for them
• 84% said it improved their mood
• 82% said it decreased stress or anxiety
• 85% said they reconnected with their voiceOver 88% of all Write with Preeti workshop participants (over 250 surveys, with an age range of 22-76) say they feel a sense of belonging and social connection after attending a workshop.
See below for words from partners or the testimonials page for words directly from participants.
Have more questions? Check out the FAQ below or
A Sample of Preeti’s Past Offerings
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Praise and the Practice of Naming: A Generative Writing Workshop for a Complex World
In this 90-minute online workshop, Preeti guided participants through an exploration of praise poetry as a practice of witnessing complexity, drawing on the work of Black and Indigenous poets. The session combined close reading, generative writing, and grounding practices to support participants in writing from embodied experience within a supportive, choice-centered space. Read more.
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![Poster for an artist roundtable event featuring a circular platform, surrounded by colorful geometric shapes, flowers, and plants with houseplants and floral patterns in the background.]()
Indian Summer Festival's Artist Roundtable: Black and Brown Culture Makers
As part of the Indian Summer Festival in 2024, Preeti Kaur Dhaliwal co-facilitated an Artist Roundtable with Khari Wendell McLelland, inviting racialized artists and cultural organizers to reflect on making art in troubled times. The session offered space for shared inquiry into creative practice under conditions of crisis, asking how artists work through—not just in response to—systems that extract, exhaust, and erase.
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![Image of a rose on paper, used for Preeti Kaur Dhaliwal's creative writing workshop on Borderless Solidarities.]()
Writing Toward Borderless Solidarities
Presented in collaboration with Indian Summer Festival + Upstart & Crow , this workshop invited participants to explore borderless solidarities through creative writing, shared reflection and collective practice. The session moved from freewriting exercises that examined borders as they relate to people, places, identities and the self into a collaborative writing process. Participants co-created group pantoums, a looping poetic form with Malaysian roots and played with experimentation rather than perfection. Read more.
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![Wellness programming that includes embodiment, creativity and stress regulation.]()
Writing for Wellness Programming for Law Students
Writing for Wellness sessions to support law students in managing stress and anxiety through creativity and body awareness. The sessions were successfully conducted at several universities, including McGill, Schulich Law at Dalhousie, Windsor and the University of Alberta Schools, with positive feedback from participants. Read more here.
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![Event poster for a writing event titled "Rediscovering the Sacred through Writing" with guest writer Preeti Kaur Dhaliwal, scheduled for Thursday at 7 PM ET on February 15, 2024, in partnership with Strathmore, featuring a black and white photo of a woman squatting on the ground, smiling.]()
Online Community Writing Workshop
Rediscovering the Sacred Through Writing was a 2023 online generative writing workshop facilitated by Preeti in partnership with Mission Belonging and Strathmore. Grounded in body awareness and gentle reflection, the workshop invited participants to explore writing as a site of presence, reverence and renewed connection.
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![A woman squatting on a dark pathway outdoors, with shadows cast from trees above, in a black and white photo.]()
Writing for Wellness: McGill Law
Between 2020 and 2024, Preeti led ongoing Writing for Wellness sessions for students atMcGill University’s Faculty of Law. The workshops created a consistent, supportive space for creative expression, embodiment and community during demanding academic periods. Students reported reduced stress and anxiety, deeper connection with others and renewed access to their voices. You can read about it here.
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![Flyer for a queer and desi generative writing workshop titled "Sher Lotus: Find Your Flow" on Sunday, July 27th, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at 1 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC. Features an open book with a quill pen and a colorful lotus flower with the Sher Lotus logo. Includes details about registration and a note that the space is for trans people, queer women, gender diverse, and two-spirited people.]()
Sher Lotus: Find Your Flow Writing Workshop
Preeti facilitated Find Your Flow: A Queer & Desi Generative Writing Workshop for Sher Vancouver, inviting participants to explore their stories, voice and creativity. Through guided prompts, grounding practices and open-ended exercises, attendees were encouraged to connect with themselves and others, and engage in playful, transformative exploration through creative writing. The workshop emphasized choice, presence and self-expression in a supportive community setting.
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![Event poster for Monsoon Festival of Performing Arts with a workshop titled "Lens & Legacy: Writing Histories Through Photos" scheduled for August 14, 2024. The poster features a woman squatting, with colorful gradient background and festival logo.]()
Lens and Legacy: Writing Histories Through Photos
As part of South Asian Arts’ Monsoon Festival of Performing Arts, Preeti facilitated a community writing workshop that invited participants to explore personal and collective histories through photographs. Through guided writing exercises and sensory prompts, participants uncovered stories of family, place and memory while building connection to images and a shared archive of lived experience.
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![Details for a creative writing and wellness workshop led by Preeti Kaur Dhaliwal, scheduled for February 7, March 3, and March 24, 2022, from 7:30 to 9 PM ET. The background is a gradient from black to gray, with a white line drawing of a quill pen in an inkwell on the right side, and a yellow line near the bottom left.]()
University of Windsor: Writing for Wellness
Preeti facilitated Writing for Wellness at the University of Windsor’s Faculty of Law, offering law students a dedicated space to pause, write and reconnect. Grounded in creativity and body awareness, the sessions supported students through demanding academic periods and cultivated connection while reducing stress and anxiety.
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![Event poster for Monsoon Festival of Performing Arts featuring a writing workshop titled 'Soundtrack as Story' by Preeti Kaur Dhaliwal on August 13 at 6:30 PM at The Cultch, Jim Green House Studio. Black and white image of a woman sitting on the ground with dark hair, wearing a sleeveless top and pants.]()
Soundtrack as Story: Writing Workshop
Preeti facilitated a generative writing workshop for Monsoon Festival’s 10th anniversary, exploring memory and music as inspiration for new creative work. Participants honoured the songs that shaped them—the ones they danced to, healed with or carried in their bones—and used the cento, a collage-style form, to weave lyrics with their own freewrites. The session bridged personal history and pop culture, leaving attendees with unique writing that celebrated where they come from and what they carry forward. Listen to Preeti chat about it on CBC.
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![Event webpage for a creative writing class titled 'Circling Back: Writing the Year Through the Pantoum with Preeti Kaur Dhaliwal,' scheduled for December 18, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Central Library.]()
Writing Workshop for Vancouver Public Library (VPL)
In December 2025, Preeti facilitated Circling Back: Writing the Year Through the Pantoum at the Vancouver Public Library, a generative workshop that invited participants to reflect on the year through the rhythmic form of the pantoum. Attendees engaged in grounding exercises, freewriting and collaborative group poems, exploring how repetition transforms memory into music. The session deepened poetic craft while fostering connection and creativity in community.
Testimonials
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![A woman with short, curly blue hair, glasses, and a patterned shirt smiling outdoors near a tree with green foliage.]()
“Preeti creates an engaging, personal, and meaningful workshop experience that genuinely strengthens team morale and connection. I wholeheartedly recommend her to any organization seeking to foster reflection and connection.”
– Brittany Williams (she/her), B.A., B.C.L/LL.B, Assistant Dean (Students) & Dean’s Lead, Black and Indigenous Flourishing, McGill University
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![A woman with long gray hair, glasses, and hoop earrings, wearing a red top with gold accents, standing outdoors with green trees in the background.]()
“Preeti's thoughtful prompts invite people to feel deeply seen and to share with authenticity, vulnerability, and joy.”
– Deblekah Guin, Founding Executive Director, Access to Media Education Society (AMES)
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![Smiling woman with dark hair blowing to the side, wearing earrings and a black top, against a dark background.]()
“Preeti offered our community a refreshing workshop to take us into the new year in such a powerful way.”
– Danielle Khan Da Silva, Founder & ED of Photographers Without Borders
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![University of Minnesota logo on a red background with the word 'McG']()
“Preeti's session was a wonderful opportunity for our team to connect with one another during a challenging time in the office.”
– University Staff Member
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![A smiling woman with long wavy brown hair, wearing a black top, posing against a white background.]()
“Preeti’s writing workshops have been an invaluable resource for my team and me during times of transition and significant change.”
– Angela Brown, District Mentoring Support Teacher, Vancouver School Board (Writing for Wellness Series)
McGill University profiled Preeti’s facilitation practice, highlighting how her writing workshops offer a meaningful counterbalance to high-pressure academic environments through creativity, care and collective presence
Creativity, Presence, Engagement
- Relational Trust, Clarity, Reflection -
Creativity, Presence, Engagement - Relational Trust, Clarity, Reflection -
Writing for Wellness Brochure for Law Schools (p. 1)
Writing for Wellness Brochure for Law Schools (p. 2)
Writing for Wellness Brochure for Law Schools (p. 3)
Past Clients & Collaborators
Frequently Asked Questions
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With 20 years experience in arts-based facilitation and education, Preeti weaves together creative, legal and community-based expertise. Her background includes applied theatre, Theatre of the Oppressed, mentorship in radio and storytelling, and curating inclusive arts events such as the Guelph MFA Speakeasy series. For a detailed CV of her trainings and experience, feel free to contact her.
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Preeti has collaborated with law schools (students and staff), arts festivals, libraries, nonprofits, educators, activists, veterans, photographers, teachers, youth and many other diverse community groups. She has also worked with men at federal penitentiaries and 1-on-1 with a variety of individuals including judges, CEOs, artists and entrepreneurs. She has also designed sessions for various affinity groups, including but not limited to queer communities, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and/or People of Colour) communities and women’s groups.
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If you’re looking to explore creative writing or specific themes and topics with your group, Preeti can support you. She can also help businesses and organizations, particularly those working with remote teams and needing online support, build relational trust and shared language. Her writing for wellness workshops help prevent burnout, decrease stress while increasing clarity and connection.
She loves working with folks to develop the programming they want and need. Whether it’s community-oriented programs, courageous dialogue or professional settings, she can help.If you’re unsure whether your group is the right fit, just reach out! She’s always open to a conversation.
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Preeti brings an intersectional lens grounded in care, creativity and practicality. Whether she’s facilitating dialogues, designing community programs or supporting individuals, her work balances emotional depth with clear structure, making space for people to feel seen, engaged and empowered.
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Both. I work with intimate teams as well as larger groups. I adjust the format, structure and facilitation style accordingly. Sessions can be designed for leadership teams, full staff gatherings, affinity groups or mixed audiences.
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Creative practices invite people to slow down, reflect and listen—skills that are often missing in fast-paced work environments. Through writing, dialogue and embodied reflection, participants reconnect with their own voice and with one another, which strengthens trust, clarity, and a shared sense of purpose. Over time, this kind of culture supports retention, engagement and more human ways of working together.
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Rather than focusing on performance or forced interaction, my work centres presence, choice and meaning-making. I use arts-based practices, particularly creative writing and facilitated dialogue, to create spaces that are reflective rather than extractive. The goal isn’t to fix people or manufacture cohesion, but to support genuine connection, trust and thoughtful engagement that carries back into daily work.
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Trust grows when people feel heard, seen and respected (not rushed). My workshops are structured with clear agreements, gentle facilitation and a variety of ways to participate (as well as the option of participating less), allowing people to engage at a level that feels right for them. Shared creative processes help teams see one another beyond roles and titles, building trust through witnessing and mutual respect.
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I design sessions that prioritize psychological safety and clarity of intention. Through guided prompts, small-group reflection and carefully facilitated discussion, teams practice listening without fixing, speaking without defensiveness and holding complexity together. This often leads to more honest, grounded conversations that continue beyond the session.
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Depending on the session, participants often leave with:
Greater clarity and confidence in their voice
Stronger listening and reflection skills
Tools for navigating stress, uncertainty, and complexity
Increased empathy and relational awareness
Practical mindfulness techniques and creative practices that they can return to on their own
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Creative practices can support burnout by offering space to slow down, reconnect, and make meaning (without becoming therapy). My sessions acknowledge the realities of stress and pressure while focusing on agency, choice and collective care. Many participants report feeling more grounded, connected and resourced after a workshop.
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I design workshops with accessibility, choice and respect at the centre. Activities are invitational rather than compulsory, and I pay close attention to power dynamics, group agreements and pacing. The work is structured so that people across roles, backgrounds and levels of seniority can participate meaningfully and on their own terms.