For decades, poetry therapy has been formally recognized as a valuable form of treatment, and it has been proven effective worldwide with a diverse group of clients. The second edition of Poetry Therapy, written by a pioneer and leader in the field, updates the only integrated poetry therapy practice model with a host of contemporary issues, including the use of social media and slam/performance poetry. It’s a truly invaluable resource for any serious practitioner, educator, or researcher interested in poetry therapy, bibliotherapy, writing, and healing, or the broader area of creative/expressive arts therapies.

This accessible book explores the therapeutic possibilities of poetry and stories, providing techniques for facilitating personally relevant and growth-enhancing sessions. The author provides ideas for writing activities that emerge from this discussion, and explains how participants can create their own poetic and narrative pieces.

Building on the American Psychological Association tradition of the arts and psychology, this book addresses the therapeutic aspects and clinical use of metaphor, narrative, journal writing, storytelling, bibliotherapy, poetry, and the related arts. Based on clinical theory and romantic philosophy, a unified poetry therapy practice model is presented that combines the use of literature in therapy, creative expression, and symbols/rituals. Poetry therapy has been formally recognized for approximately thirty years and practiced worldwide with a wide range of clients and in numerous settings including hospitals, hospices, mental health centers, family service agencies, addiction centers, schools, nursing homes, and correctional settings. Poetry Therapy: Interface of the Arts and Psychology is organized along three dimensions: 1) Theory and practice of poetry therapy covering individual, family and group modalities 2) Use of poetry therapy along developmental markers with specific attention to abused children, battered women, suicidal adolescents, and the elderly, and 3) Research and professional development including credentialing, building resources, and education/training.

British counselor Hedges suggests how poetry can be used in therapy. First she explores general themes such as life transitions, spirituality, attachment and loss, and journeys. Then she and contributing creative writers look at running creative writing groups, poetry in healthcare settings, using poetry with young and elderly people, and poetry in counseling training. Published by Radcliffe Medical Press, Ltd.; U.S. distribution is by BookMasters. Annotation :2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).

In this third edition of Poetry Therapy, Dr. Mazza expands on poetry therapy applications and techniques, carefully illustrating the use of poems, expressive writing, and symbolic activities for healing, education, and community service. Building on the definition and foundation of poetry therapy, chapters discuss using Mazza’s poetry therapy model with individuals, families, groups, and communities. Featuring over a hundred new references and practice experiences, the updated edition covers new research findings and methods, especially with respect to expressive writing and brain activity. Additional updates include working with special populations such as minorities, persons with disabilities, veterans, and the LGBTQ+ community. New chapters on spirituality, the COVID-19 pandemic, and personal development through poetry and running are also featured. Each chapter ends with questions for reflection. This is a truly invaluable resource for any practitioner, educator, or researcher interested in poetry therapy, bibliotherapy, writing, and healing, or the broader area of creative arts and expressive therapies.