Introduction to therapeutic writing
Time: 10:30 - 16:30
Location: Kean Street Wellbeing Centre
- Course Code: PT576
- Dates: 02/03/25 - 16/03/25
- Time: 10:30 - 16:30
- Taught: Sun, Daytime
- Duration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)
- Location: Kean Street Wellbeing Centre
- Tutor: Charmaine Pollard
Course Code: PT576
Duration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)
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What is the course about?
Research over the last 30 years has found links between writing, health and wellbeing. This is a practical and experiential course for people who are interested in either using therapeutic writing for their own self-care or introducing therapeutic writing or poetry therapy in their work with clients or groups.
We will use carefully chosen poetry and self- reflective writing to facilitate discussions.
Using our own experiences, we will reflect upon this process, and be introduced to some basic knowledge of poetry therapy.
What will we cover?
This course offers insights into poetry therapy and therapeutic writing at an introductory level. The course will explore the use of poems and expressive writing as a tool for self-discovery, creativity and personal development.
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.
- List three different poetry therapy / therapeutic writing techniques.
- Explain the difference between creative writing and therapeutic writing.
- Evaluate the importance of a safe and supportive framework for therapeutic group work.
- Describe the key concepts of group process, structure, pacing and containment within a group session.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course will be of interest to writers of all kinds, medical and healthcare professionals, counsellors, therapists, social workers, librarians, academics, teachers, service providers in a variety of health and therapeutic environments.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Teaching methods will include tutor presentations; audio-visual aids; class discussion (in pairs and small groups).
Some guided imagery and a range of visual and writing prompts facilitated by the tutor.
You will be encouraged to practice writing (journaling) between sessions and while this isn’t essential we hope you’ll want to find the time to do it.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All art materials and poems are provided, but do bring your own notebook. We suggest:
A new notebook – one that you can use just for this class and between sessions.
A pen or pencil which enables you to write quickly and freely.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Journal writing for self-discovery (PG612).
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.