I've read of a poet who is a poetry therapist for cancer survivors. I just want to know, has anyone here tried poetry therapy? Or know someone who uses poetry therapy? Is it really effective? You don't have to be a cancer survivor to undergo poetry therapy; I think it can be used for a variety of settings.

I used to write poems, it feels good afterwards to be able to put in paper all my bolted emotions, it is such a relief to let it out. But i have not heard until now that there is an Association of Poet Theraphy that even medical science recognizes it's potential.

Mental health professionals were exploring the therapeutic value of literary materials, especially of poetry. Their contribution to the emerging discipline was two-fold: 1) emphasis on the evocative value of literature, particularly poetry; and 2) recognition of the beneficial potential of having clients write either their response to poems written by others or original material, drawing on the clients' own experiences and emotions.

Thanks for the update!

I've always been interested in the psychological benefits of creative activities such as writing and painting. I wasn't really familiar with this poetry therapy, but I'm definitely going to check it out. Seems really interesting! Thank you!

Poetry therapy is not only about poetry. Credentialed practitioners of poetry therapy use the poetic in all literature. The poetic is the evocative, imaginal language that invites personal and individual response. Journal writing, story telling, creative and reflective writing and poetry are some of the many tools we use to enhance the creative and healing process. Poetry therapy, applied poetry, biblio/poetry therapy, journal therapy, poetry/journal therapy and bibliotherapy are synonymous; all focus on the written, spoken, and auditory aspects of interactive literature.

well I read poetry and I once attended poetry reading class. It is relaxing to do poetry reading it eases the tension on my body and mind. I dont think it will cure some known diseases.

Does reading a poem also a classification of poetry therapy?

Yes, it is classified as poetry therapy. It enhances the inner strength of your body to remove bad aura and redeem the inner peace in you.

What are the benefits of poetry therapy?

So john, poetry therapy is also a form of meditation. It heels the disease thru the inner strength of the body while you are reading poems?

Ok, ok. It's just now that I had the time to read the posts in Complementary and Alternative Medicine. So far, I've read that there's:

- Dolphin therapy
- Music therapy

And now... poetry therapy. Keep it coming. I want to know more about it. What is this therapy for anyway?

I think there are a lot of mistakes that people did to treat their diseases. I think this therapy should be classified as quack medicine.

IMO poetry therapy can only heal and treat stress. Whenever you’re stress just listen to feel good music and read some poetry can actually remove the day’s stress off.

michael555 - 30 May 2009 07:02 AM

IMO poetry therapy can only heal and treat stress. Whenever you’re stress just listen to feel good music and read some poetry can actually remove the day’s stress off.

I agree, listening to " feel good music " and reading poetry or anything of interest can actually reduce your stress level.