“By writing I rescue myself”
William Carlos
Williams
I believe that poetry therapy works by providing us with
opportunities to access and also process issues and areas of challenge in our
lives in a supportive and creative environment. It is a place where individuals
are listened to and heard and so it allows us to speak our truth without fear
of judgement or reproach. Poetry is a powerful tool for cracking open the
silences that often shroud the uncertainty, fear and doubts that are sometimes
part of our lives. Through reading and discussing other people’s responses to
life we can be brought to a clearer understanding of our own position and,
through a creative response, begin the process of our own resolution.
The Six Steps of
Poetry Therapy
- Reading a poem and identifying with its issues, themes, sentiment
- Exploring ones own feelings
- Creating - in response to the above through writing and/or other creative processes
- Juxtaposing – considering the responses and views of others and perhaps rethinking ones own
- Reframing – in the light of new ideas, thoughts, insights, realisations
- Acting – putting positive change into action.
As a credentialed Poetry Therapy Practitioner, I am able to integrate
poetry therapy into my creative writing courses. Bespoke courses, including online courses, can be designed to suit the
needs of individuals and groups. Individual consultation is an integral part of
every course.
