POETRY THERAPY SEMINAR 
                         GUIDE
        Conquering Adversity Through 
                           Verse
                                    A Lesson 
                                  Plan By Todd 
                                       Fries
                               
          WHAT IS POETRY THERAPY?
          Poetry therapy is an interactive process with three essential 
           components: 
              the literature
              the trained facilitator
              and the client(s)
          A trained facilitator selects a poem or other form of written 
           or spoken media to serve as a catalyst and evoke feeling 
           responses for discussion. The interactive process helps the 
           individual to develop on emotional, cognitive, and social 
           levels. 
          Writing original poems that at once speak to the unique and 
           the universal is also part of the healing power of poetry and 
           poetry therapy.
                                             
          GOALS OF POETRY THERAPY 
        To develop accuracy and understanding in perceiving 
         self and others; 
        To develop creativity, self-expression, and greater self-
         esteem; 
        To strengthen interpersonal skills and communication 
         skills; 
        To ventilate overpowering emotions and release 
         tension; 
        To find new meaning through new ideas, insights, and 
         information; and 
        To promote change and increase coping skills and 
         adaptive functions. 
                                     
      WHO ARE POETRY THERAPISTS?
      Poetry Therapy groups are run by 
        writers, writer facilitators, 
        psychological therapists, health 
        professionals such as occupational 
        therapists or nurses, social workers 
        and teachers
                               
     WHO CAN USE POETRY THERAPY?
         Poetry Therapy has a broad range of applications with 
          people of all ages and is used for health and 
          maintenance, as well as with individuals requiring 
          treatment for various illnesses and conditions
         Examples are
             veterans
             substance abusers
             adolescents
             the learning disabled
             families with problems
             prisoners in rehabilitation
             the frail elderly
             the physically challenged
             survivors of violence, abuse and incest