Poetry therapy is an arts-based psychotherapeutic intervention, often delivered in groups. This paper argues that the process and benefits of poetry therapy may be particularly suited to clients recovering from anorexia, as an adjunct to other treatments. Poetry therapy and its history are described briefly, and the relevance of poetry therapy for…

Describes a poetry group developed for older adults with functional mental health problems, based at a day hospital in the United Kingdom. Evaluates the group's effectiveness using both quantitative pre and post measures and qualitative feedback. Finds that all group members enjoyed the group, and that its benefits seemed to lie on a continuum…

Investigates the effect of poem selection on therapeutic process and outcome. Examines the use of three different poems by three different therapists in a variety of contexts. Concludes that the "success" or "failure" of poems is based, in part, on what the therapist and poem ask of a client. (SR)

Analyzes spontaneous written expression (sampled from 11 workshops) according to a structured model of Creative Poetry Therapy. Finds similarity in the poetic indicators and in the expression of psychological needs, despite profound differences in the composition of the groups (children, youth, adults). Argues that the healing process of poetry…

The use of poetry as a valuable part of the psychotherapeutic experience has gained increasing acceptance and usage in recent years. Poetry provides a viable modality for releasing intense emotions and reducing anxieties and hostilities. Poetry therapy was used with an 18-year-old male who was experiencing sexual orientation disturbance to examine…