Welcome to this site dedicated to Poetry Therapy, with particular reference to events and courses in the UK
4th January 2015
HAPPY NEW YEAR …
Here are some images from winter here in Kent – frosty days and bright blue skies.
I am delighted that a three day Experience Poetry Therapy course is now live on the Canterbury Christ Church University website – 24th, 31st January and 8th March – bookings are open.
These days will give an opportunity to engage in the use of poems – both reading and writing – to promote health and wellbeing. We will also discuss some of the theory behind the practice and look at different applications. No creative writing experience is needed – just a willingness to participate. Regular writers though will come away with a substantial body of draft material.
Bookings are also open for the Lapidus Day in Cardiff on the 14th March. This is always an energising and inspirational event. If you aren’t a member already, have a look at www.lapidus.org.uk – there are over three hundred interesting people waiting to meet you!
And, I’m making plans to attend the NAPT conference in North Carolina in April …
Victoria Field
Good luck with this Victoria! Best wishes. Rob
I’m so glad that Poetry Therapy includes all forms of literature. However, is there a distinction between Poetry Therapy and Literature Therapy? (Best of luck with the site by the way. I hope I’ve managed to sign up to following it.)
I think it depends on whether how narrowly or widely such terms are defined – there’s certainly an overlap and I’ll add some thoughts on that to this page – thank you for the question.
thank you Rob x
Great, Vicky!! This is wonderful to connect again – the dots…
In 1925, Robert Haven Schauffler wrote: “any poem that has genuine healing in its wings usually commences its medical career the moment it is conceived by promptly curing its creator.” Does a Poetry Therapist climb a rickety ladder and reach a plateau of well being? I am not asking about status, and I am sure each individual will take a different path, but I wonder whether overcoming health issues can earn one a greater sense of resilience.
Hi Katrina, blogged a response – see Healing in its wings
Thank you – I am on my way over there!
Great to see your site up and running
This is going to be a really valuable blog. Thanks for setting it up Vicky.
As ever you’ve inspired us further to travel on our journey of wise and healing words.
Thank you for this – a valuable resource and network
Dear Nessa, Carol, Jane, Angie and Sue – thanks for the warm words – all suggestions welcome
Hi Victoria,
It seems like years ago since joining you in Truro cathedral. Good luck with this site. I’m sure it will be a great hit.
Best wishes.
Jay
thanks Jay – those days still very vivid for me – hope you are well x
Thank you for creating this blog promoting the value of poetry/bibliotherapy. In my case the ‘Writing in Health and Social Care,’ courses I attended with you and Graham Hartill not only informed me and taught me to facilitate others but when a serious bout of depression overwhelmed me, I turned to a Journal Therapist for support. I have learned to trust the writing process and in many ways it has transformed my life. Lots of my personal journaling arrives on the page in the form of poetry as it is my favourite means of communicating with word and those lovely collage sessions you led at Ty Newydd rekindled my love of art so now I am beginning to bring my art and writing together which feels amazing.
Thanks for warm words, Karen. Those courses at Ty Newydd are very special for me – the place seems to open hearts and souls to deep work.
Well done Vicky looking forward to reading more. Wasn’t The Convention in Maynooth something to remember.
Ger
Ger, it was totally brilliant – can’t wait til next year xxx
Vicky, very pleased to see this much-needed site. Thank you. Love, Roselle x
Thanks for this affirming comment Roselle – juist finding my way around the blogosphere – happy new year to you xx
Hi Vicky – so happy to be joining on your site love Brigid X
Hello Brigid – great to be exchanging blogs – when I get the hang of this, I’ll add a blogroll (as I think they’re called) xx
Hi there. I’m interested to hear about the work you do. Please will you add me to your email list? Thank you!
Thanks Leilah and apologies for taking so long to respond. I’ve added you to my list. Best Vicky