Poetry as a Tool for Wellness

Course Description

Poetry as a Tool for Wellness (PATFW) is a culmination of nearly 20 years of ground-breaking practice utilizing poetry as a catalyst to enhance skills, affirm strengths, and nurture creativity in order to promote overall wellbeing. Piloted in settings focused on mental health, it has been found equally transformative and roundly received in a much broader context. PATFW is an ideal program for counselors, peer specialists, teachers, chaplains, healthcare/wellness coaches, community activists, support group facilitators, and anyone else interested in fostering a creative and therapeutic approach to wellness for integrating Poetic Medicine into mental health and wellness programs The program is structured as eight themed, skills-based sessions outlined in a comprehensive manual. Emphasis is placed throughout on the interactive nature of each session that includes quotes, poems, discussion questions, writing activities/guided sharing and an Appendix of Facilitator Tools. It is strongly recommended that those interested in the facilitator training also purchase the manual as it serves as a vital adjunct to the training series. Additional sessions are regularly being developed (and are available as insertable pages to those who have purchased the manual prior to their completion). The volume naturally fosters individual voice and empowerment, shared leadership, as well as a sense of community/belonging. The Poetry as a Tool for Wellness: A Peer Facilitator's Manual includes: 8-week series of themed, skills-based sessions Quotes, poems, discussion questions, and writing activities Suggested scripts and actions Bonus session for hosting a celebratory poetry-reading event Appendix including tools and resources for peer facilitators Additional session add-ons NOTE: There are several options to participate in the PATFW training. Though it is not currently required, it is highly recommended that you purchase the manual to accompany the training. Instructors for this course are Kristin Thompson and Cathey Capers