Nicholas Mazza

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

The healing aspects of writing are explored in this article. This includes an overview of the evidence for the use of writing in therapeutic capacities, as well as a discussion of the limitations. A case study involving the use of journaling with a client suffering from Lupus is presented. Brief illustrations of the use of writing in couple, family and group modalities are also presented.

Poetry therapy: Toward a research agenda for the 1990s

Poetry therapy goes beyond the use of poems and poetry writing in therapy. It has a pluralistic base that has evolved through the exploration and evaluation of the therapeutic aspects of the language arts in various helping and educational capacities. The purview of poetry therapy includes bibliotherapy, narrative and metaphor. Poetry therapy has been considered an ancillary technique, method of practice, therapeutic entity and philosophy of practice. Moreover, the National Association for Poetry Therapy has standards and procedures in place for “Certified Poetry Therapist” and “Registered Poetry Therapist.” Due to the advancement of the field of poetry therapy and the diversity of the use of poetry therapy, increased attention toward the establishment of a solid research base is a priority. In an effort to contribute to the development of a poetry therapy practice research model, the following areas will be examined: (a) research paradigms, (b) specificity and replication, (c) poetry selection, (d) studies in practice research, (e) professional issues and (f) the identification of directions for future research.

The Place of the Poetic in Dealing with Death and Loss

This article provides an overview of the R.E.S. model of poetry therapy. The relationship of poetry therapy to narrative therapy and family practice is examined through a case study of a single parent family dealing with death and loss.

Poetry: An ancillary technique in couples group therapy

Abstract The use of poetry as an ancillary technique in couples groups is examined. In noting the use of the arts in family and group therapy, poetry is suggested as an additional method of facilitating group process and breaking down resistance with couples. While the use of poetry in therapy has been described elsewhere, it has received little attention with couples and family therapy. Some techniques described in this report include the use of reactions to a poem or song; the construction of collaborative and dyadic poems; and the development of images from dialogue. An example of a short-term couples group is presented. Therapists are cautioned about the limitations of the method, such as supporting intellectualizations. Utilized as a medium, poetry can be an aid to the therapist in helping clients express feelings and examine communication patterns.

The Arts and Family Social Work: A Call for Advancing Practice, Research, and Education.

This brief report serves as a call for creative and artistic works relative to family social work. Recognizing the “art” of family social work, Mazzas (2003) multidimensional poetry therapy practice model is used as a framework for addressing all arts-based approaches to practice and research.

Poetry/creative writing for an arts and athletics community outreach program for at-risk youth

The focus of this article is on the creative writing component of a two-week arts and athletics summer camp for disadvantaged middle-school-age (11–14) youth. An overview of the camp is provided followed by a description, illustration and analysis of the creative writing methods. Preliminary findings from this pilot study indicate that the writing exercises were helpful in contributing to positive youth development (e.g., promoting self-esteem, problem-solving, team building, and prosocial behavior).

Relationship Enhancement Couples Group Therapy

ABSTRACT This study tested whether a short term, therapeutic intervention could be used to strengthen rural, southern marriages. In a group private practice in South Georgia, twenty-two couples were taught Relationship Enhancement skills in a group format. They were an all clinical sample of distressed couples and were led by experienced male/female co-therapy teams. Statistical analyses found that marital adjustment, trust, intimacy, and marital communication increased during treatment for the couples. The average couple went from the distressed category of marital adjustment on the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) to the nondistressed category over the six months of treatment and follow up.

Voices in flight: Integrating movement/dance with poetry therapy

This brief report includes an introduction to several movement techniques that can be integrated with Mazzas (2003) multidimensional model of poetry therapy

Words from the HEArt: Poetry therapy and group work with the homeless

The focus of this article is on the use of poetry therapy in group work with the homeless and their service providers. Particular attention is directed to task and treatment groups. Practice observations and a review of poetic material indicate the expressive/creative component of poetry therapy can help advance the self-development and empowerment of the homeless, as well as serve to promote community awareness.

The Place of Poetry in Gerontological Social Work Education

This essay focuses on poetry as a means to enhance the education and training of social workers and allied health care professionals working with the elderly. The poetry examined includes published popular poetry and poetry created by the elderly in community and residential programs. Finally, I discuss the poetry and narrative of four social workers as an integrative device for dealing with personal and professional issues relating to aging and identity.