Practice of Poetic Medicine:
Level 1
Part of the PPM Program
PPM Level 1 focuses on cultivating a personal Poetic Medicine practice, using John Fox’s book Poetic Medicine: The Healing Art of Poem-Making as our working text, along with letters that John has written for each chapter. This can be a deeply nourishing practice for yourself and is also foundational if you are interested in continuing your PPM education to work with others in Level 2.
Practice of Poetic Medicine (PPM) Level 1
“Poetry helps us to feel our lives rather than be numb.”
-John Fox
from Poetic Medicine, Ch.1
A personal practice of reading and writing poems for the purpose of expression and healing runs counter to our algorithm-driven digital world. When our days are dictated by outside forces, endless scrolling, and glorified productivity, Poetic Medicine is a refuge that brings us back to the meaning in our lives.
“A lot of healing lies in the recovery of a personal sense of meaning, that capacity which enables us to endure difficulties, to find and draw on unsuspected strength. In times of crises, meaning is strength.”
-Rachel Naomi Remen, M. D.
from the Preface to Poetic Medicine
Being a human in this world, there is no shortage of difficulties or crises. To rediscover personal meaning through poetry—and in the process cultivate strength, resilience, and self-compassion—is a beautiful gift to ourselves. A gift that leads us into our lives, rather than away from them.
“Writing and reading poems is a way of seeing and naming where we have been, where we are and where we are going with our lives”
-John Fox
from Poetic Medicine, Ch.1
This is our intention: instead of productivity, we offer presence. Instead of scrolling, we offer stillness. And instead of being at the whim of external forces, we offer a way back to your own intuitive voice.
At this time we are excited to offer two options for our Level 1 series.
PPM Traditional Pace series meets on Saturdays, with 3-4 weeks between classes*
Saturdays, September 19, 2026 - May 8, 2027
10am-12pm Pacific/1pm-3pm Eastern
*Please note that there are only 2 weeks between the first and second classes as well as 2 weeks between the final two classes.
PPM Intensive Pace series meets every Tuesday for 12 weeks
Tuesdays, January 12, 2027 - March 30, 2027
7am-9am Pacific/10am-12pm Eastern
If you feel called to develop a personal Poetic Medicine practice or nurture the practice you already have, we’d love for you to join us. Please apply for our upcoming Level 1series here.
Program Facilitator
Level 1 Facilitator: Erin Bach
Erin Bach is a poet and writer who believes in small steps, personal practice, and that poetry is a lens through which we see the world.
She holds an MFA in Poetry, is a Certified Kaizen-Muse Creativity Coach, and enjoys working with others to bring meaning and healing through creative practice. She was a high school English teacher for nearly a decade before leaving her career and home state in 2017 to move across the country and jump into the unknown of building a creative life and career.
She began working with John Fox and The Institute for Poetic Medicine in 2020 and is currently the Education Director for the Practice of Poetic Medicine Program.
PPM Level FAQs
Do I need to have previous experience with poetry or Poetic Medicine to take Level 1?
The short answer is no, you do not need any prior experience. The longer answer is that we suggest you familiarize yourself with the Poetic Medicine approach to poetry to make sure it is what you are seeking at this time.
While we do write and share poems, we do not analyze, critique, or judge any writing. The goal of Poetic Medicine is not a “finished” poem or polished piece of work, but rather writing that means something to you, that holds something you’ve been carrying, that opens something inside your heart. We emphasize listening and reflection, not evaluation.
Is there a difference in the content between the Traditional Pace series and the Intensive series?
No, there is no difference in content between the Traditional Pace and the Intensive. Both series will work with the book Poetic Medicine: The Healing Art of Poem-Making by John Fox, along with letters that John has written for each chapter. Here is a breakdown of the classes:
Class 1: Welcome/Intro
Class 2: Chapter 1 (Heart, Who Will You Cry Out To? Giving Silence Words)
Class 3: Chapter 2 (The Same River Twice Merging the Healing and Creative Processes)
Class 4: Chapter 3 (Poetic Tools for Your Healing Journey Creating with Elements of
Poetry)
Class 5: Chapter 4 (The Fragile Bond Expressing Poems of Pain and Love Between
Parent and Child)
Class 6: Review/Poetry Circle
Class 7: Chapter 5 (Landscapes of Relationship Reflecting on Intimacy, Marriage, and
Longing)
Class 8: Chapter 6 (When God Sighs Making Poems about Loss, Illness, and Death)
Class 9: Chapter 7 (The Peace of Wild Things Embracing the Earth to Tell Your Story)
Class 10: Chapter 8 (Poems of Witness in a Conflicted World Speaking the Truth, Going
to the Heart)
Class 11: Chapter 9 (There is a Secret One Inside Us Using Your Spiritual Voice to Heal)
Class 12: Celebration
The difference lies in the pace of the series, specifically how much time you have between classes to read, process, and write. Traditional pace generally has 3-4 weeks between classes, whereas the Intensive has a class each week for 12 weeks.
Depending on your personality, learning style, schedule, and/or circumstances, you may feel more drawn to one series than the other.
Please take into consideration that we will be reading/writing about potentially difficult and emotionally charged topics (grief, relationships, parent/child dynamics, etc.). Know yourself, what you need at this time, and your ability to commit to the dates.
Start and end dates are listed above. Detailed dates for each series are listed in the application.
How much work do I need to do in between class meetings?
For most classes you will have reading assignments (a chapter from Poetic Medicine as well as the chapter letter from John Fox) and writing exercises (from the chapter) which are expected to be done prior to class. The time commitment for these will vary from person to person.
In addition, if you have chosen to be in an optional small group, you will be meeting with your group for about an hour between each class (scheduling is up to your group).
What if I have to miss a meeting?
Both attendance and presence (yes, they are different) are important for not only your experience of the program, but also the experience of the others involved. However, life happens. If something comes up and you need to miss a class, please contact the facilitator.
Will classes be recorded?
Yes, the classes are recorded and only viewable by class participants. That said, due to the personal nature of the writing/sharing, if someone is uncomfortable with the recording being on, we can and will pause the recording while they share. Know that this series is meant to be experienced as an interactive live online program and that the recordings are meant to be supplemental not relied upon for class attendance.
Do I need to buy the book, Poetic Medicine?
Yes, you do need a copy of Poetic Medicine: The Healing Art of Poem-Making by John Fox. We do not provide copies. You can find the book at Bookshop.org, thriftbooks, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, or check with your local independent bookstore.
Is Poetry as a Tool for Wellness (PTW) a prerequisite for PPM Level 1?
No, PTW and PPM are separate programs, and one is not a prerequisite for the other. They are, however, complementary, so if you have experience with PTW and are wanting more, PPM may be a great fit for you.
Fun fact: Our PTW Facilitator Training was designed by Cathey Capers, who is a Certified Practitioner of Poetic Medicine (Cohort 1).
If I sign up for Level 1, am I expected to continue on to Levels 2 and 3?
The decision to continue on to Level 2 (and then Level 3) is completely up to you. Level 2 centers around learning how to facilitate Poetic Medicine groups, and therefore is geared towards those who feel called to work with others. If that’s you, great! If it’s not, no problem.
Also, please note that you do not need to decide about your intentions for the program at the start. Someone may enter Level 1 with no intention to move to Level 2, but by the end decide that it’s something they want to do. Likewise, they may feel content after Level 1 and decide to focus on their personal practice instead of working with others. Both are completely valid paths.
While we are always thrilled to walk with someone down the path of becoming either a Poetic Medicine Facilitator or a Certified Practitioner of Poetic Medicine, we believe that the practice of Poetic Medicine is for everyone, and we want to support that.
Is there a payment plan?
Yes. We are happy to work with you to develop a payment plan that works with you. You can contact us at ppm@poeticmedicine.org to discuss this further.
How do I know if this course is for me?
Chances are that if you’re reading this there is something inside tugging you toward this work.
This course might be right for you if:
-You are open the idea that poetry and poem-making can have healing potential
-You want to read and process Poetic Medicine in a group setting
-You are open to being vulnerable around challenging topics
-You are willing to be surprised by yourself and your writing
-You have taken other IPM programs and are wanting more
This course might not be the right fit for you if:
-You are looking for a workshop to create finished pieces of writing
-You are uncomfortable sharing in a group setting or witnessing others share
-You are currently dealing with intense trauma**
-You cannot commit to the dates and will likely miss multiple meetings
-You are uncomfortable with discussions around abstract or spiritual concepts
**While Poetic Medicine is therapeutic, this is not a therapy or support group and is not run by a licensed clinician. If you are dealing with an intense trauma or recent traumatic event, we strongly encourage you to seek appropriate therapeutic support.
I’m interested in working with others. Why is developing a personal practice a requirement for learning how to facilitate Poetic Medicine groups (Level 2)?
PPM Level 1 is for you, but it also creates the foundation of working with others.
The intention behind Level 1 is that the group meetings, writing experiences, and the process of reading Poetic Medicine should be used as a laboratory—a time for self-examination, reflection, and discovery—a place for experiencing and sharing the journey.
By doing that, you will be in the deepest, most genuine, and strongest position to bring this healing art to others.
The themes attended to in Poetic Medicine and Level 1 are themes that you will encounter in facilitating Poetic Medicine groups (grief, loss, parent/child dynamics, romantic love, illness, spiritual questions, etc.). Having experience in writing from these places for yourself may not only be personally healing, but will allow you to experience what your future Poetic Medicine participants may experience.