What is poetry and what does poetry do? Why is poetry a force for psychological change?
Words and language - and by implication, creative writing - offer us a way of expressing ourselves and getting our feelings out into the world in ways that feel psychologically helpful. They offer us a route to catharsis and the opportunity to connect with other people. When we approach language poetically, language can do other things that bring about change at a psychological level. Poems allow us to hear and feel the multiplicity of meanings because this is how poetry works. Poetry actively encourages us to listen to language in more complex and multi-faceted ways – ways that make us take account of the sounds and rhythms of words, and their associations through its use of metaphor and other figurative tropes. It is because poetry asks us to move into a psychological space where meaning must be discovered and made that it is such fertile ground for psychological repair and healing.
This workshop sets clinical practice in the context of theory: you can expect an overview of the key ideas underpinning poetry's potential for psychic healing alongside practical exercises you can use with clients or engage with personally.
Learning Objective Participants Can Expect From This Event
- This workshop sets clinical practice in the context of theory: you can expect an overview of the key ideas underpinning poetry's potential for psychic healing alongside practical exercises you can use with clients or engage with personally.
- You will develop the confidence to begin working with words.
- If you are already experienced in this way of working, deepen your understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of the relationship between poetry and therapy.
Who is This Workshop Appropriate For?
- All therapists and mental health practitioners with an interest in working with words, and people wishing to know more about this way of working for personal development. No prior experience or knowledge is necessary.
How May This Workshop Impact Your Practice?
- This workshop will show you how you can use poetry in creative and therapeutic ways, which are simple and practical.
Link to book on PCCS website:
https://www.pccs-books.co.uk/products/poetry-and-therapy-why-words-help
Course Content
Presenter
Stephanie Aspin is an integrative psychotherapeutic counsellor, author, coach, teacher, academic and poetry lover. She has a PhD in Counselling Studies and a PhD in American Literature. She is co-founder of A-typicats Neurodiversity Training, Coaching & Consultancy. Stephanie often runs hands-on writing and expressive arts groups – see website for details. Stephanie’s recent book is Poetry + Therapy: Why Words Work (PCCS, 2025)
