What is Poetry Therapy? What to expect in a Workshop Group Workshops   Divine Inspiration   Poetry Power for Children   Celebrating the Senior Self   Floetry   Wishing Words   Lifelines Bereavement Group   Women of the Word   Teen Talk   Tell It Like It Was   Journey of the Journal Individual Sessions Couples Sessions Schools Community Centers Hospitals Rehabilitation Facilities Wellness Centers Senior Centers Nursing Homes Poem and Exercise of the Month Biography My Story Listen to Radio Interview Contact	WHAT IS POETRY THERAPY? I am a poetry therapist. Many people have not heard of that before. A short explanation: It is part of the creative arts therapies that encompass art, music, drama, psychodrama and dance therapy. But in poetry therapy, poems, or actually, any kind of writing, fiction, prose, non-fiction, and so forth, are used to explore our lives. The National Association of Poetry Therapy* (website) describes it this way: "Poetry therapy is the intentional use of the written and spoken word for healing and personal growth. Poetry, literature, journals and song lyrics help individuals see themselves fully, and in time they come to experience the hidden facets of themselves. The term "poetry therapy" is used inclusively to refer not only to the use of published and original poems but also the interactive use of literature (bibliotherapy) and therapeutic writing (journal therapy). Guided by a trained facilitator, poetry therapy participants respond emotionally to the literature's evocation. The interactive process is integral to the educational, therapeutic and personal well being of the individuals. The process of writing their own poems or journal entries in response to the selected literature is a significant catalyst for healing and self-integration. When poetry therapy participants tell their own stories through poems, songs and journals, it provides vital material for the therapeutic process. Finding their own voices is a self-affirming step that is often followed by cathartic release, greater self-awareness, new insights and fresh hope." *A word about NAPT: The National Association for Poetry Therapy confers professional credentials to biblio/poetry therapists who have met its rigorous standards. The poetry therapist is a professional who is well-grounded in both psychology and literature, as well as group dynamics. NAPT has an ethical code, standards of practice, scientific theories, a body of knowledge and specific training requirements. NAPT sponsors an annual four-day national conference, newsletter and Journal for Poetry Therapy, an interdisciplinary journal of practice, research, and education. Back to top
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