Dadaism in poetry therapy: The heart of words and the freedom of nonsense

Abstract

The effectiveness of poetry in promoting emotional healing and self-discovery has become exemplified by the burgeoning field of poetry therapy. This article seeks to synthesize existing research in poetry therapy with effective therapeutic techniques by delving into the potential of Dadaism as a framework for poetry therapy. Because Dadaism emerged as a literary and artistic movement that arose from the state of mental tension, chaos and trauma, I argue that through a comprehensive examination of the historical and artistic contexts of the movement, as well as its key themes and techniques, therapists can facilitate exploration of sensitive and taboo subjects in a non-threatening and safe manner. By employing the techniques present in Dadaist poetry, this article illustrates how the movement can aid in the expression and processing of intense emotions, challenge the validity of prevailing narratives, and engender novel perspectives. Ultimately, this article asserts that Dadaism offers a valuable lens for more exploration of its use in poetry therapy to further advance this nascent field.