A content analysis of poems most frequently utilized by poetry therapists

Abstract

The selection of literature for use in a poetry therapy intervention is one of the most difficult issues faced by poetry therapists. A variety of authors have published suggested guidelines for the selection of poetic material; however, there is a paucity of research indicating whether or not poetry therapists are actually consulting such guidelines when selecting the material utilized in a poetry therapy intervention. The intent of this research is to examine the literature that is commonly used in poetry therapy interventions. A list of the poems most frequently used in poetry therapy interventions will be analyzed to determine if the poems meet the guidelines set forth by Hynes and Hynes-Berry. Results indicate that the most frequently used poems vary in the degree to which the Hynes and Hynes-Berry criteria are met.