The healing power of writing: applying the expressive/creative component of poetry therapy

Multiple intelligences training for counsellors: reflections on a pilot programme

“…This intelligence underlies verbal therapy, therapeutic writing (Pearson & Wilson, 2009;Wright & Chung, 2001), the use of journals (Progoff, 1992), bibliotherapy (Pardeck & Markward, 1995), and poetry therapy, which has been applied in clinical settings since 1970 (Bolton & Ihanus, 2011). Therapeutic writing activities include story construction, diaries, journal, letters, poetry, and lyrics (Connolly Baker & Mazza, 2004).…”

“…The aim of using poetry in the psychological healing process is to bring forward a response from the client that will help them become more involved in the therapeutic process (Koppman, 2001). In general, writing has been found to enable clients to manage events and emotions and gain some control (Connolly Baker & Mazza, 2004).…”

Self-expressive writing as a therapeutic intervention for veterans and family members

“…According to Baker and Mazza (2004), "the popularity of creative non-fiction and autobiographical writing has fueled the trend of memoir writing, utilizing expressive writing for therapeutic purposes" (p. 141). Autobiography is one example of ways in which writing as an expression art has been integrated within the therapeutic process.…”

“…According to Baker and Mazza's (2004), research on writing, there has been a major contribution toward advancing the role of expressive writing in therapeutic capacities. Researchers discovered the idea that repressing emotions may contribute to illness, but that expressing these emotions through writing might prompt significant improvements in physical and emotional health.…”

Women's experiences of the therapeutic value of writing about pregnancy sickness

“…' (p. 283) Regardless of theoretical approach, most research in the field of writing therapy refers to its potential benefits to research participants or clients (Halpert, Rybin & Doros, 2010). These include healing and comfort (Connolly Baker & Mazza, 2004); selfawareness and self-discovery (Rasmussen & Tomm, 1992;Richardson, 2001); increased connection to others (Richardson, 2001); increased sense of agency and control (Penn, 2001); venting (Bolton, 1999); increased sense of autonomy and independence (Rasmussen & Tomm, 1992); reclaiming of voice (Sakalys, 2000); an opportunity to express the 'unspeakable' about an experience (Wright, 2005); to form a story about that experience (Pennebaker & Seagal, 1999); and to make sense of it (Boals, 2012).…”