According to Robert Frost ‘A poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom.’ Poetry therapy is the intentional use of poetry and literature to support healing, self-awareness, and emotional growth. This experiential course deepens your understanding of therapeutic writing and equips you to integrate it into your personal practice or professional work. It builds on the teachings and learnings of the introductory course. Its
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Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
Over the past three decades, research has consistently shown the positive impact of writing on mental and emotional health. This course offers a hands-on, reflective journey into the world of poetry therapy. It continues to investigate the key elements of therapeutic writing to an advanced level. You’ll explore how to use poetry and expressive writing as a tool for self-care, and how to introduce these techniques into your work with individuals or groups. Through guided writing exercises, carefully selected poems, and group discussions, You will gain the confidence and tools you need to experience the therapeutic process first hand and begin to understand the foundational principles of poetry therapy.
What will we cover?
The core principles of poetry therapy and therapeutic writing
Techniques for using poetry and writing to foster self-expression and insight
The role of safety, structure, and containment in therapeutic group settings
Group dynamics: pacing, process, and facilitation strategies
Reflective practice using your own writing and shared experiences
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Describe the basic principles of poetry therapy and therapeutic writing
Identify the importance of poem selection for specific populations
Create questions from carefully selected poems to encourage dialogue.
Evaluate the significance of a safe and supportive environment for group work
Understand key concepts such as group process, structure, pacing, and containment
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is a continuation of 'Working with Therapeutic Writing'. Prior attendance in that course is required before enrolling in this one.
It is ideal for:
Writers and creatives interested in the healing power of words
Counsellors, therapists, and mental health professionals
Healthcare workers, social workers, and educators
Librarians, academics, and community facilitators
Anyone curious about using writing for personal or professional growth
No prior experience in poetry is required, but a willingness to engage in reflective writing and group discussion is essential.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Tutor-led presentations and discussions
Audio-visual materials and poetry readings
Small group and pair work
Guided imagery and visual/writing prompts
Reflective journaling between sessions (optional but encouraged)
You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
A dedicated notebook for this course
A pen or pencil that allows you to write freely and comfortably
All other materials, including poems and art supplies, will be provided.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
The City Lit offers an exciting variety of courses on counselling and personal development.
Charmaine Pollard qualified as a certified poetry therapist with the USA-based International Federation for Biblio-Potry Therapy. She is also a BACP registered / accredited counsellor and life coach. She has a passion for facilitating therapeutic writing groups and workshops in schools, prisons, libraries, clinical settings and in the community. She enjoys teaching at City Lit, as it is a diverse and vibrant place to learn. She especially enjoys introducing students to poetry therapy. Her courses are based on reading poetry discussing, and writing in response to promote health and wellbeing. Charmaine Pollard is author of Writing for Resilience a workbook that harnesses the power of writing to help boost self-awareness and strenghten resilience. It is available to buy on Amazon.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/working-with-therapeutic-writing-advanced2710977Working with Therapeutic Writing Advancedhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/counselling-advanced-skills-PC106.jpg179179GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Health & wellbeing/Courses/Health & wellbeing/Psychology & counselling/Courses/Health & wellbeing/Psychology & counselling/Counselling/Courses/Counselling & psychotherapy/Counselling: working with (CPD)/Courses/New courses2285124912731274134471743122851249127313435<p>According to Robert Frost ‘A poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom.’ Poetry therapy is the intentional use of poetry and literature to support healing, self-awareness, and emotional growth. This experiential course deepens your understanding of therapeutic writing and equips you to integrate it into your personal practice or professional work. It builds on the teachings and learnings of the introductory course. Its overall aim is to support participants begin to create a framework to facilitate courses and workshops with various populations.<br>Whether you're a writer, therapist, educator, or healthcare provider, you'll gain practical tools to help others improve their wellbeing through the written word.<br></p>002620548Working with Therapeutic Writing Advanced179179https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/counselling-advanced-skills-PC106.jpgInStockDaytimeSunKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2026-05-10T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceMay 2026Health & wellbeingPT596179179Working with Therapeutic Writing Advanced179116179Charmaine Pollardworking-with-therapeutic-writing-advanced/pt596-2526<p>According to Robert Frost ‘A poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom.’ Poetry therapy is the intentional use of poetry and literature to support healing, self-awareness, and emotional growth. This experiential course deepens your understanding of therapeutic writing and equips you to integrate it into your personal practice or professional work. It builds on the teachings and learnings of the introductory course. Its overall aim is to support participants begin to create a framework to facilitate courses and workshops with various populations.<br>Whether you're a writer, therapist, educator, or healthcare provider, you'll gain practical tools to help others improve their wellbeing through the written word.<br></p>0000-Available|2026-05-10 00:00:00<p>Over the past three decades, research has consistently shown the positive impact of writing on mental and emotional health. This course offers a hands-on, reflective journey into the world of poetry therapy. It continues to investigate the key elements of therapeutic writing to an advanced level.<br>You’ll explore how to use poetry and expressive writing as a tool for self-care, and how to introduce these techniques into your work with individuals or groups.<br>Through guided writing exercises, carefully selected poems, and group discussions, You will gain the confidence and tools you need to experience the therapeutic process first hand and begin to understand the foundational principles of poetry therapy.<br></p><p>According to Robert Frost ‘A poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom.’ Poetry therapy is the intentional use of poetry and literature to support healing, self-awareness, and emotional growth. This experiential course deepens your understanding of therapeutic writing and equips you to integrate it into your personal practice or professional work. It builds on the teachings and learnings of the introductory course. Its overall aim is to support participants begin to create a framework to facilitate courses and workshops with various populations.<br>Whether you're a writer, therapist, educator, or healthcare provider, you'll gain practical tools to help others improve their wellbeing through the written word.<br></p><ul><li>The core principles of poetry therapy and therapeutic writing</li><li>Techniques for using poetry and writing to foster self-expression and insight</li><li>The role of safety, structure, and containment in therapeutic group settings</li><li>Group dynamics: pacing, process, and facilitation strategies</li><li>Reflective practice using your own writing and shared experiences<br></li></ul><ul><li>Describe the basic principles of poetry therapy and therapeutic writing</li><li>Identify the importance of poem selection for specific populations</li><li>Create questions from carefully selected poems to encourage dialogue.</li><li>Evaluate the significance of a safe and supportive environment for group work</li><li>Understand key concepts such as group process, structure, pacing, and containment<br></li></ul><p>This course is a continuation of 'Working with Therapeutic Writing'. Prior attendance in that course is required before enrolling in this one.</p><p>It is ideal for:</p><p></p><ul><li>Writers and creatives interested in the healing power of words</li><li>Counsellors, therapists, and mental health professionals</li><li>Healthcare workers, social workers, and educators</li><li>Librarians, academics, and community facilitators</li><li>Anyone curious about using writing for personal or professional growth</li><li>No prior experience in poetry is required, but a willingness to engage in reflective writing and group discussion is essential.</li></ul><p>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.</p><ul><li>Tutor-led presentations and discussions</li><li>Audio-visual materials and poetry readings</li><li>Small group and pair work</li><li>Guided imagery and visual/writing prompts</li><li>Reflective journaling between sessions (optional but encouraged)</li></ul><p>You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.</p><ul><li>A dedicated notebook for this course</li><li>A pen or pencil that allows you to write freely and comfortably</li></ul><p>All other materials, including poems and art supplies, will be provided.<br></p><p>The City Lit offers an exciting variety of courses on counselling and personal development.</p>Psychology & counsellingCounsellingvirtual3039832Working with Therapeutic Writing Advanced179179https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/counselling-advanced-skills-PC106.jpgInStockDaytimeSunKean Street Wellbeing CentreAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2027-05-09T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceMay 2027Health & wellbeingPT596179179Working with Therapeutic Writing Advanced179116179Charmaine Pollardworking-with-therapeutic-writing-advanced/pt596-2627<p>According to Robert Frost ‘A poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom.’ Poetry therapy is the intentional use of poetry and literature to support healing, self-awareness, and emotional growth. This experiential course deepens your understanding of therapeutic writing and equips you to integrate it into your personal practice or professional work. It builds on the teachings and learnings of the introductory course. Its overall aim is to support participants begin to create a framework to facilitate courses and workshops with various populations.<br>Whether you're a writer, therapist, educator, or healthcare provider, you'll gain practical tools to help others improve their wellbeing through the written word.<br></p>0000-Available|2027-05-09 00:00:00<p>Over the past three decades, research has consistently shown the positive impact of writing on mental and emotional health. This course offers a hands-on, reflective journey into the world of poetry therapy. It continues to investigate the key elements of therapeutic writing to an advanced level.<br>You’ll explore how to use poetry and expressive writing as a tool for self-care, and how to introduce these techniques into your work with individuals or groups.<br>Through guided writing exercises, carefully selected poems, and group discussions, You will gain the confidence and tools you need to experience the therapeutic process first hand and begin to understand the foundational principles of poetry therapy.<br></p><p>According to Robert Frost ‘A poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom.’ Poetry therapy is the intentional use of poetry and literature to support healing, self-awareness, and emotional growth. This experiential course deepens your understanding of therapeutic writing and equips you to integrate it into your personal practice or professional work. It builds on the teachings and learnings of the introductory course. Its overall aim is to support participants begin to create a framework to facilitate courses and workshops with various populations.<br>Whether you're a writer, therapist, educator, or healthcare provider, you'll gain practical tools to help others improve their wellbeing through the written word.<br></p><ul><li>The core principles of poetry therapy and therapeutic writing</li><li>Techniques for using poetry and writing to foster self-expression and insight</li><li>The role of safety, structure, and containment in therapeutic group settings</li><li>Group dynamics: pacing, process, and facilitation strategies</li><li>Reflective practice using your own writing and shared experiences<br></li></ul><ul><li>Describe the basic principles of poetry therapy and therapeutic writing</li><li>Identify the importance of poem selection for specific populations</li><li>Create questions from carefully selected poems to encourage dialogue.</li><li>Evaluate the significance of a safe and supportive environment for group work</li><li>Understand key concepts such as group process, structure, pacing, and containment<br></li></ul><p>This course is a continuation of 'Working with Therapeutic Writing'. Prior attendance in that course is required before enrolling in this one.</p><p>It is ideal for:</p><p></p><ul><li>Writers and creatives interested in the healing power of words</li><li>Counsellors, therapists, and mental health professionals</li><li>Healthcare workers, social workers, and educators</li><li>Librarians, academics, and community facilitators</li><li>Anyone curious about using writing for personal or professional growth</li><li>No prior experience in poetry is required, but a willingness to engage in reflective writing and group discussion is essential.</li></ul><p>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.</p><ul><li>Tutor-led presentations and discussions</li><li>Audio-visual materials and poetry readings</li><li>Small group and pair work</li><li>Guided imagery and visual/writing prompts</li><li>Reflective journaling between sessions (optional but encouraged)</li></ul><p>You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.</p><ul><li>A dedicated notebook for this course</li><li>A pen or pencil that allows you to write freely and comfortably</li></ul><p>All other materials, including poems and art supplies, will be provided.<br></p><p>The City Lit offers an exciting variety of courses on counselling and personal development.</p>Psychology & counsellingCounsellingvirtual179179116PT596NONESun10/05/2610:00 - 17:0010:0017:001 session1One-off onlyWeekendKSKeeley Street,Kean Street Wellbeing CentreCharmaine PollardSome experienceAvailable courses2026-05-10T00:00:00+00:00,2027-05-09T00:00:00+00:00DaytimeMay 2026,May 2027Health & wellbeing179179Working with Therapeutic Writing Advancedworking-with-therapeutic-writing-advanced/pt596-2526,working-with-therapeutic-writing-advanced/pt596-2627<p>According to Robert Frost ‘A poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom.’ Poetry therapy is the intentional use of poetry and literature to support healing, self-awareness, and emotional growth. This experiential course deepens your understanding of therapeutic writing and equips you to integrate it into your personal practice or professional work. It builds on the teachings and learnings of the introductory course. Its overall aim is to support participants begin to create a framework to facilitate courses and workshops with various populations.<br>Whether you're a writer, therapist, educator, or healthcare provider, you'll gain practical tools to help others improve their wellbeing through the written word.<br></p>0000-Available|2026-05-10 00:00:00<p>Over the past three decades, research has consistently shown the positive impact of writing on mental and emotional health. This course offers a hands-on, reflective journey into the world of poetry therapy. It continues to investigate the key elements of therapeutic writing to an advanced level.<br>You’ll explore how to use poetry and expressive writing as a tool for self-care, and how to introduce these techniques into your work with individuals or groups.<br>Through guided writing exercises, carefully selected poems, and group discussions, You will gain the confidence and tools you need to experience the therapeutic process first hand and begin to understand the foundational principles of poetry therapy.<br></p><p>According to Robert Frost ‘A poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom.’ Poetry therapy is the intentional use of poetry and literature to support healing, self-awareness, and emotional growth. This experiential course deepens your understanding of therapeutic writing and equips you to integrate it into your personal practice or professional work. It builds on the teachings and learnings of the introductory course. Its overall aim is to support participants begin to create a framework to facilitate courses and workshops with various populations.<br>Whether you're a writer, therapist, educator, or healthcare provider, you'll gain practical tools to help others improve their wellbeing through the written word.<br></p><ul><li>The core principles of poetry therapy and therapeutic writing</li><li>Techniques for using poetry and writing to foster self-expression and insight</li><li>The role of safety, structure, and containment in therapeutic group settings</li><li>Group dynamics: pacing, process, and facilitation strategies</li><li>Reflective practice using your own writing and shared experiences<br></li></ul><ul><li>Describe the basic principles of poetry therapy and therapeutic writing</li><li>Identify the importance of poem selection for specific populations</li><li>Create questions from carefully selected poems to encourage dialogue.</li><li>Evaluate the significance of a safe and supportive environment for group work</li><li>Understand key concepts such as group process, structure, pacing, and containment<br></li></ul><p>This course is a continuation of 'Working with Therapeutic Writing'. Prior attendance in that course is required before enrolling in this one.</p><p>It is ideal for:</p><p></p><ul><li>Writers and creatives interested in the healing power of words</li><li>Counsellors, therapists, and mental health professionals</li><li>Healthcare workers, social workers, and educators</li><li>Librarians, academics, and community facilitators</li><li>Anyone curious about using writing for personal or professional growth</li><li>No prior experience in poetry is required, but a willingness to engage in reflective writing and group discussion is essential.</li></ul><p>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.</p><ul><li>Tutor-led presentations and discussions</li><li>Audio-visual materials and poetry readings</li><li>Small group and pair work</li><li>Guided imagery and visual/writing prompts</li><li>Reflective journaling between sessions (optional but encouraged)</li></ul><p>You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.</p><ul><li>A dedicated notebook for this course</li><li>A pen or pencil that allows you to write freely and comfortably</li></ul><p>All other materials, including poems and art supplies, will be provided.<br></p><p>The City Lit offers an exciting variety of courses on counselling and personal development.</p>Psychology & counsellingCounsellingconfigurable
