Bibliotherapy Research Articles

Finding your inner voice through song: Reaching adolescents with techniques common to poetry therapy and music therapy

Literature supports the use of both poetry therapy and music therapy with adolescents. Song writing in particular has been recognized for its wide appeal among the adolescent population. In fact, many of the techniques incorporated into the song writing process are common to both poetry therapy and music therapy. This paper will examine some of those common techniques and provide an overview of related literature. A case study will be provided to illustrate some of the techniques mentioned within the review of literature.

Effects on the Bibliotherapy for Depressed and Remark of Dotard Dementias Old Adults

Effects on the Bibliotherapy for Depressed and Remark of Dotard Dementias Old Adults

The Efficacy of Bibliotherapy for Social Phobia

This study investigated the efficacy of bibliotherapy (BT) in the treatment of social phobia. Thirty-eight subjects who met the diagnostic criteria for social phobia were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: bibliotherapy with feedback (BT 1), bibliotherapy without feedback (BT 2), and a waiting-list (WL) control condition. Before and after treatment, the Social Phobia Scale (SPS) and Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS), two of the most widely and consistently used measures of social anxiety, were administered. Those individuals in the BT 1 and BT 2 groups exhibited significant reductions from preto posttreatment on the SPS relative to the WL group but not on the SIAS. In addition, there were more individuals who showed a clinically significant improvement (CSI) in the BT 1 and BT 2 groups than in the WL group. However, there were no significant differences between the BT 1 and BT 2 groups. After the BT, 16 of the 38 participants received cognitive–behavioral group treatment (CBGT). After CBGT, those participants who had received BT and shown a CSI exhibited a significantly higher reduction on the SPS than both those participants who had received BT but did not show a CSI and the WL group. The implications for future research are discussed. [Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention 8:390–401 (2009)]

In Memoriam A. H. H. from the Perspective of Poetry Therapy

In Memoriam A. H. H. from the Perspective of Poetry Therapy

The simple statement in plain speech: A look at James Laughlin's poetry

Some of James Laughlin's poetry as it relates to poetry therapy is the focus of this brief report.

Poetry therapy: In memory of a dear friend

Poetry therapy: In memory of a dear friend

The use of poetry therapy with domestic violence counselors experiencing secondary posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms

Domestic violence counselors who are exposed to the traumatic material of clients may be at risk of secondary posttraumatic stress disorder (SPTSD) and are in need of effective interventions that combat symptoms of SPTSD. The focus of this study is on the examination of the effectiveness of poetry therapy for domestic violence counselors experiencing SPTSD symptoms; and on an investigation of the predictors of SPTSD symptoms. The results showed that poetry therapy reduced SPTSD symptoms in domestic violence counselors. Gender, openness to experiences, and agreeableness were significant predictors of SPTSD symptoms. Implications on the use of poetry therapy are discussed.

Poetry and Narrative: JPT as a Home for Language, Symbol, and Story in Community Practice, Therapy, Education, and the Arts

The Journal of Poetry Therapy: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Practice, Theory, Research, and Education (JPT) is now in its 21st year of publication. JPT remains open to a wide range of scholarly...

Self-Guided Bibliotherapy for a Breakup

Self-Guided Bibliotherapy for a Breakup

Expanding the use of the symbolic/ceremonial mode of poetry therapy practice: A cross-cultural metaphor

The purpose of this article is to encourage the expanded use of the symbolic/ceremonial mode of poetry therapy practice. Through examination of the influence of the poem “Youth” by Samuel Ullman, and its role in the revitalization of post-war Japan, specific elements are identified that mark the transformation of this poem from written words to symbol to ceremony that promoted recovery for a nation and a basis for cross-cultural exchange and understanding. These elements suggest a pathway for how poetry therapy might broaden its focus beyond its customary applications with individuals for personal healing and growth to circumstances involving intergroup conflict. Several examples are provided that illustrate how poetry therapy might be used to discover similarities and differences in feelings and perceptions between conflicting or diverse groups with a goal of creating increased intergroup acknowledgment, dialogue and resolution of conflict.

Words from the HEArt: Poetry therapy and group work with the homeless1

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.

Hold me; heal me: Providing a holding environment through the use of poetry therapy

The use of poetry therapy is examined through the lens of the holding environment of attachment theory. The process of reading and writing poetry, as well as the finished product of poetry, is seen as providing a holding environment within which healing can occur.

Therapeutic Storytelling Revisited

This article (a) relates the many beneficial features that employing stories in psychotherapy can have, (b) offers guidelines for presenting, clarifying, and applying them to patients' unique situations, and (c) presents a sample of therapeutic stories that may be used with a variety of patients. The work is intended to build upon, and is heavily indebted to, the work of many previous authors in the tradition of therapeutic storytelling.

Self-Guided Bibliotherapy for the Purge of Bereavement

Self-Guided Bibliotherapy for the Purge of Bereavement

Clinical application of color inkblots in therapeutic storytelling

This article introduces Color Inkblot Therapeutic Storytelling (CITS). The method starts with inkblots, leading to psychotherapy through a series of steps involving drawing and storytelling. The use of inkblots and question asking are similar to the Rorschach, but the inkblots themselves and interpretation methods differ. CITS is a culturally responsive art therapy method that originally was developed for use with Japanese clients. It uses an indirect, non-threatening approach instead of forcing a direct confrontation of the client's problems. Through CITS, a client's inner world, psychological characteristics, and basic personality are gradually represented. The primary goal of this methodological paper is to describe CITS. The technique is presented through a typical case that resulted in a positive treatment effect.

Poetry therapy with special needs children: A pilot project

The ARC Poetry Club is a pilot project in which a poetry therapy group intervention was utilized with special needs children. In this article, information will be provided regarding the children who participated in the club, the activities that took place during each session of the club and the facilitator's observations regarding group participants’ reactions to the group activities. In addition, recommendations for future poetry therapy group interventions will be made based on the author's experience as facilitator of the ARC Poetry Club.

Voices in flight: Integrating movement/dance with poetry therapy

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

Poetry as research: Advancing scholarship and the development of poetry therapy as a profession

To be effective and to achieve legitimization, each profession must develop its own body of knowledge. Within a social context characterized by the increasing influence of for-profit managed care corporations and the expanded influenced of the medical model, many helping professions have turned to logical positivism as a model for knowledge acquisition. Yet, the methods associated with this epistemological position may not be consonant with the values and knowledge needs of poetry therapy as a profession. Fortunately, advances in expressive arts research has lead to the development of methods congruent with the aims and needs of the burgeoning profession. The research poem is examined as one potential vehicle through which to improve the research agenda of poetry therapy.

Therapeutic implications of poetic conversation

The authors experienced a serendipitous exchange of poems leading to shared examination about poetry as dialogue. This led to designing and coleading a workshop at the National Association for Poetry Therapy, 2005, on poetic conversation. We suggest details about the structure and content of the workshop, and examples of poems to illustrate many different conversations. This article suggests several ways to look at poetry as dialogue: conversation the poet engages in with him or herself, conversations begun by the poet for the reader, poems written directly to or about someone else, between two or more parts of the self, or as a response to another poem. We use the writing of Gregory Orr, Jane Hirshfield, Jack Leedy, and Nick Mazza to illustrate how poetry in conversation leads to compassion, sympathetic identification, and connection. Ultimately, we believe it is these states that underpin the therapeutic value of poetry.

Poetry in therapy: A way to heal for trauma survivors and clients in recovery from addiction

This paper will explore the use of poetry in therapy, particularly with trauma survivors, and clients in recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs. Practice examples from sessions with individuals and groups illustrate some of the methods and benefits of writing poetry. Mazza's (2003) model is introduced, together with a discussion of the theoretical base and research supporting poetry writing as a therapeutic collaboration. In addition, the author demonstrates how therapists can use poetry writing themselves as a way to make sense of their work, and relieve the stress of absorbing the hurt and pain of their clients. Samples of poetry from her work and that of other therapists are included.