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.

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).

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.

Powerful and exciting, Poetic Medicine illustrates the unique role that poem-making can have in addressing the situations that lead us to renewal in our lives. John Fox's book is designed for readers wanting to tap their creative energy in order to make a difference in the world, including educators, therapists, parents and their children, writers, couples, and the infirm. As the author demonstrates, we all possess the ability to write. This gift enables us to access unlimited spiritual resources that restore our genuine voices and meaning in our lives, while healing and creatively satisfying us. Discussed are numerous stories of people from the author's workshops who exemplify how poetry has aided them I becoming more whole. Parents understand how to use poetry to foster their relationships with their children, recognizing magical bonds that they never knew existed; persons who are ill learn how to come to terms with their diseases; and those who feel helpless in the surrounding world discover the freedom to act and affect real change. With the poetic tools, instruction, and accounts the author supplies in Poetic Medicine, readers can start now to make their own poems while addressing, acknowledging, accepting, and taking charge of their lives.