Poetry Therapy
Poetry therapy is the use of language, symbol, and story in therapeutic, education, growth, and community-building capacities. It relies upon the use of poems, stories, song lyrics, imagery, and metaphor to facilitate personal growth, healing, and greater self-awareness. National Association for Poetry Therapy - USA
Poems can be fantastic vehicles for change. They can offer valuable personal insights and help to increase resilience and self-confidence.
When we read a poem, something happens within us. We react using our hearts and minds – and sometimes even our bodies. We can use these same feelings, thoughts and sensations to fuel our own writing.
Our writing helps us to peel back the layers and discover what lies beneath.
No writing / poetry skills or prior experience is needed to attend a poetry therapy group or workshop.
Teaching
I am a short course tutor at City Lit an adult education college and Mary Ward Centre, both in Central London teaching poetry therapy and therapeutic writing courses. My hope is to introduce this self-sustaining tool to all communities, including professionals and people who love writing, and journalling. To ensure you find out about these courses, sign up to my email list below.
Schools work
My work in schools involves, working with young people. I facilitate a writing for wellbeing programme that uses creative and self- reflective writing to help students develop their self-esteem, build confidence and to support their social and emotional needs.
Trauma work
I have worked with a local authority for over twelve years, to provide a poetry therapy service to survivors of complex trauma, domestic and sexual violence, and/ or people who had misused substances and experienced mental ill-health.
For further information about poetry therapy and my qualifications, please visit my FAQ's page or if you have a query, contact me.
Using Words to Heal
When we read a poem, something happens within us. We react using our hearts and minds – and sometimes even our bodies. We can use these same feelings, thoughts and sensations to fuel our own writing.
Our writing helps us to peel back the layers and discover what lies beneath.