Poetry has been used as a healing and introspective art
for thousands of years. Throughout history it has been a powerful and transformative mode of expression for people during times of loss, pain, and uncertainty, as well as times of joy and celebration. This was true of many ancient cultures, such as the Greeks, whose healers prescribed poetry along with medicine, and of tribal cultures who believed that putting words into certain rhythmic order held magical potency. And it is true today in a number of hospitals, schools, retreat centers and community settings where doctors, nurses, teachers and counselors have come to recognize the healing powers of poetry.
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In honor of this tradition and my own love of poetry and respect for its power, I offer workshops for organizations including hospitals, schools, retreat centers, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, and many other therapeutic or community organizations. Workshops can be designed for groups of people around a specific theme such as exploring one's experience with illness, loss, aging, and other life transitions, and many other themes. Participants respond to carefully chosen poetry under the guidance of a skilled facilitator. They are brought on a journey through image and metaphor to a place of truer connection with self and others. By exploring which words and images most speak to them, a dialogue is begun between the participants, the facilitator, and the poem, one which opens up new worlds and possibilities. The poetry and the process of responding to it brings participants to greater self-awareness and self-expression therefore freeing them to address important themes and issues of their lives that may be needing attention. There is usually an opportunity to write in each session, but this is never required. The writing prompts come from the poem or from the discussion that has occurred up to that point. This way of using poetry is a very useful ancillary therapy to other types of counseling and treatment that a person may be receiving and can greatly enhance their healing and recovery. For more information or to set up a group for your organization, |
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