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
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.
Writing for Wellbeing Clubs in Schools
National Literacy Trust
I know from experience that poetry therapy can offer many benefits when used responsibly within schools. Building on my previous work in this area, in 2022.
I was invited to join a pilot project by the National Literary Trust (NLT), supported by REY. It aimed to explore how schools can use creative writing as a therapeutic, self-sustaining, and low-cost tool to promote the wellbeing of their young people. I came onboard to consult on the project, help design a 3-day Introduction to therapeutic writing in schools course for poets to become facilitators, and to deliver the course.
The facilitators went on to use their knowledge to run a selection of Writing for Wellbeing Clubs within schools around the country. I have now trained a second cohort of poets.
Find out more about the clubs here
‘Charmaine is fantastic and so knowledgeable; it was a real pleasure working with her!’
‘A thank you to Charmaine, REY, and to National Literacy Trust for this incredible training, I am so grateful for it.’
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.
Some organisations where I have led writing groups
