Poetry may seem like it’s all about good times and fun rhymes, but it can also be a form of therapy for those struggling to express themselves. In honor of National Poetry Month this April, I want to dive into poetry therapy and how it can benefit students like you.
In 2012, a poetry therapy writing program was introduced to impoverished families in England. When the program concluded, it was determined that poetry therapy had taught the families how to express their emotions and humanity through writing (Mazza, 2018). Later, the program would be used as a teaching tool for students entering the social work industry.
Spiritually, poetry therapy is believed to promote self-love and love toward others in our communities. “The creation and sharing of poetry in lending a voice to the oppressed is a powerful form of resistance and affirmation of social justice and spirituality,” (Mazza, 2018). Poetry therapy is often used as a call to action for peace and justice in clinical practice, education, and community activism.
A group of poets in the United States, known as The 100 Thousand Poets for Change, are involved in social change movements for peace. They use poetry to promote social justice with special attention to issues such as human rights, poverty, unemployment, disabilities, discrimination, and equality (Mazza, 2018). These poets provide poetry therapy in individual, family, and group settings. The group’s mission is to provide communities around the world with the capacity to heal and gain strength for a fulfilling life.
Anyone interested in joining other poets, musicians, and artists to call for social, environmental, and political change through poetry therapy should visit The 100 Thousand Poets for Change website for more information. This is a great way to connect and network with others who are passionate about creating change through poetry.
Writing poetry could be the wellness tool you need to de-stress, better understand your feelings, and maintain motivation while in school. To learn more about the history and impact of poetry therapy, check out the Poetry and Story Therapy: The Healing Power of Creative Expression e-book available to you through the library collection.
While poetry therapy can certainly be beneficial to you, it is especially beneficial to those going into the medical field who will be working closely with patients. Those enrolled in healthcare programs should consider reading “The effect of poetry therapy on personal and social performance and self-esteem in patients with mental disorder,” a research study that explores how expressive poetry can promote a better sense of wellbeing in mentally ill patients.
Poetry therapy speaks to us, our strengths, our hearts, and our commitments. Reading and writing poetry that relates to you and the obstacles you or others are facing can inspire and encourage everyone to continue pushing forward.
Mazza, N. (2018). No place for indifference: Poetry therapy and empowerment in clinical, educational, and community practice. Journal of Poetry Therapy, 31(4), 203–208. https://doi.org/10.1080/08893675.2018.1505248
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