I have nearly 30 years experience as a writer, primarily in the creative non-fiction and spirituality/self-help genre. I have also written many freelance articles and wrote three Lenten programs for the Sydney Archdiocese between 1999 and 2001.

I am particularly interested in how creativity and spirituality are linked in a healing way - how one complements the other, and especially in the global movements of the human psyche that create energy - changes in awareness and thinking.

BOOKS

Listening to the Wisdom of the Desert (Garratt Publishing, 2017)

12 Steps to Spiritual Freedom (Loyola Press, 2014)

Steps to Life (ABC Books, 2004)

Spirituality for the New Millenium (Catholic Adult Education, Sydney,1999)

Living Eucharist (Catholic Adult Education, Sydney, 2000)

The Mission Continues (Catholic Adult Education, Sydney, 2001)

Manage Time, Manage Stress (TAFE Educational work)

BUY MY BOOKS

Both 12 Steps to Spiritual Freedom and Listening to the Wisdom of the Desert are available from Garratt Publishing in Melbourne, and book stores such as St Paul’s Bookshop in Castlereagh Street in Sydney and The Benedictine Abbey Bookshop, Jamberoo, New South Wales, Australia.

12 Steps to Spiritual Freedom is also available from Garratt Publishing in Melbourne, Loyola Press in Chicago and most book stores:

Listening to the Wisdom of the Desert is available at:

https://garrattpublishing.com.au/product/9781925073461/

REVIEWS

Listening to the Wisdom of the Desert

A Lenten booklet for individual and personal reflection and for anyone interested in spiritual contemplation as we deal with our current world dilemmas.

"Finally a Lenten Program that respects the ‘sensus fidelium’ incorporating sound principles of adult faith formation….‘Listening to the Wisdom of the Desert’ is a contemplative meditative reflection in response Pope Francis’ reminder of the importance of dialogue and diversity. Participation in its readings and noteworthy exquisite and provocative questions for faith sharing will no doubt lead to being transformed this Lenten season. A gentle program in response to a messy and suffering world where many are asking not only ‘Who cares?’ but more so ‘does God care?’ Will recommend this program far and wide.

Having given up on Lenten offerings the past decade this one will nourish my soul."

Patricia Therese Benedict Thomas, Faith Formation Facilitator, Spiritual Director, Bereavement Support Consultant

12 Steps to Spiritual Freedom

12 Steps to Spiritual Freedom, Understanding the Christian Roots of Twelve Step programs (Loyola Press, 2014) is the second edition of my original work, Steps to Life, A Spiritual journey with Christian Mysticism and the Twelve Steps, (ABC Books, 2004). The original linked personal stories with the Christian mystical tradition, and the social and psychological origins of the self-help process that became the Twelve Step program of Alcoholics Anonymous, so brilliantly conceived by Bill Wilson and Dr Bob Smith in the 1930s.

12 Steps to Spiritual Freedom expands on the original book with a deeper exploration of my personal journey and the Ignatian exercises, to reveal how the program works and explore the wider human journey. This book will appeal to those who are already in 12 Step programs seeking deeper spiritual development and those with no belief at all, wanting to explore and deepen their own personal journey. For an understanding of how one can grow through grief and loss, this book will also be useful to health professionals as well as people interested in spiritual growth.

"Without exaggerating, this is really an excellent book! Not only does Joanna Thyer write very well, and in an engaging way, but she knows her sources--from the perennial Tradition of wisdom and saints, from the Scriptures, and from her own living experience. Read, and be taught well, even if you are not formally in any recovery program! This guidance is for all."

Fr. Richard Rohr, O.F.M. Center for Action and Contemplation, Albuquerque, New Mexico

“Literature about the recovery programs in the U.S. are abundant; seldom are these books so personal and believable as this one. Ms. Thyer's honesty is breathtaking. Her story will hold your interest until the final page.”

Patricia Milburn

"This invaluable book explores the connections between the transformation journeys of 12-step programs on the one hand, and Christian – and especially Ignatian – spirituality on the other. Both lead the pilgrim from utter vulnerability to life-changing transformation. In both the pilgrim must surrender to the wilderness that lies between the place of un-freedom and the place of promise. Joanna Thyer brings to this exploration an authority forged in her own painful personal experience illuminated by profound spiritual insight, both of which she shares with disarming honesty and humility. Whether you come to the journey as a 12-step participant or a spiritual searcher, or both, you would look far to find a more authentic guide."

Margaret Silf, Author of Inner Compass