Poetry Therapy
According to the National Association for Poetry Therapy - USA , 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.
I first came across the concept of writing as therapy over a decade ago and the experience left a huge impression on me. I was astonished by how freeing the process of writing was and how naturally my words poured onto the page. Through writing and reflection, I was able to access feelings and ideas that I had not even realised were in the back of my mind. I could see a whole new perspective. As a counsellor, I was aware just how valuable this approach could be for healing and personal development.
Now, as a certified poetry therapist, I share this process with groups. Time and again I witness the benefits of reflective writing for self-awareness and healing, just as I have experienced it for myself.
Qualifications
I am one of a handful of Certified Poetry Therapists in the U.K, who have completed their training (2016) with the International Federation for Biblio/Poetry Therapy in U.S.A.I trained under the mentor ship and supervision of Victoria Field.
Currently I only offer poetry therapy in groups or as a workshop.
If you would like to attend a workshop or hear more about poetry therapy, listen to my podcast below, or get a flavour of Poetry Therapy in Action by watching the short video below.
If you have any questions feel free to contact me.
Book: Writing for Resilience
After implementing therapeutic writing programmes in a wide range of settings. such as schools, prisons, libraries, museums, churches, colleges and clinical settings.
I have used this expertise to produce a workbook: Writing for Resilience - Finding the courage to bounce back.
My book began its life during a poetry therapy group that I facilitated in Central London. Together the group decided that they wanted to offer hope to those who had been through similar circumstances and introduce other people to the fantastic resource that is, writing as therapy.
You can buy Writing for Resilience, on Amazon.
Workshops and Courses
Introduction to therapeutic writing - City Lit College Sunday 2, 9, + 16 Mar 2025 10:30am - 16:30pm
Learn how to introduce therapeutic writing into your work, to help people improve their health and wellbeing.
What will we cover?
This course offers insights into poetry therapy and therapeutic writing at an introductory level. The course will explore the use of poems and expressive writing as a tool for self-discovery, creativity and personal development.
Using our own experiences, we will reflect upon this process, and be introduced to some basic knowledge of poetry therapy.
Who is the course for?
This course will be of interest to writers of all kinds, medical and healthcare professionals, counsellors, therapists, social workers, librarians, academics, teachers, and service providers in a variety of health and therapeutic environments.
FEES:
Full fee £229.00 Senior fee £229.00 Concession £149.00
Address:
9 Kean Street, London, WC2B 4AY (within 5 minutes walking distance of our main Keeley Street site).
To enrol and for further information visit City Lit College
Let This Poem Be A Hand upon Your Shoulder Online Workshops: 11:00am - 12:30pm
A series of monthly workshops that can help you explore feelings, and build your resilience as you connect with others in these challenging times.
The title theme for the workshops was inspired by a poem written by Deborah Cooper.
We will use carefully selected poems as a springboard for writing, reflection and conversations.
The workshops are for anyone who wants additional resources, in these unsettling times. It is for those who enjoy creativity, journalling, writing for personal or professional development.
No prior knowledge of poetry or expressive writing is required; you simply need to be willing to share, reflect and experiment with words in a supportive environment.
FEES:
£25 plus booking fee
Bookings Via Eventbrite 11a.m. - 12.30 p.m.
PODCAST
Poetry Can open doors
Listen to my interview with Maxine Bell from the Association for Coaching and hear how poetry can open doors and allow you to be the best version of yourself.