What is the theory behind this worksheet?

A number of theoretical, applied, and philosophical domains have come together to form the idea of poetry as a therapeutic tool. But one of poetry’s most fundamental qualities is its capacity to let readers connect with themselves. Poetry and poetic writing are in tune with the way that tales build identity. 

How will the worksheet help?

Reading poetry also has therapeutic power. It can offer insight into the human condition, as well as rhythm and sound repetition. This worksheet will help the client to reconnect with themselves through the means of poetry. 

How to use the worksheet?

To use this worksheet, the client will write a poem that has helped them in their tough times. It can also be a poem they have written themselves. After writing the poem they will answer the questions about the poem to understand what and how much this poem means to them.

Poetry therapy worksheet

1. What is your personal reaction to this poem?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. How does this poem relate to what is going on in your life?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Is there a theme or message in this poem? If so, please identify it and discuss it.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Is there a particular line or image that has special significance for you?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. Is there a part of this poem that you would like to change? If so, please do.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6.  If you could write a letter to the poet, what would you say? 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7.  Is there “hope” in this poem? Explain. 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

References

Mazza, N. (2017). (2nd ed.). Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group.

Pearson, Mark & Egglestone, Stefan & Winship, Gary. (2020). How Can Poetry Support the Understanding of Psychotic Experiences? – A Conceptual Review. Journal of recovery in mental health, 3. 39-53. 

You can download this worksheet here.