What is Poetry as a Tool for Wellness?

Writing poetry can bring to our awareness thoughts and feelings that we did not know were within us. Writing with a group of others interested in exploring the same topics can tap into a collective experience that goes far beyond what is possible when writing alone. Experiencing this powerful expressive art in a safe poetry circle can sometimes create a desire to share this work and opportunity with others. To support this peer-to-peer poetry circle facilitation the Peer-Facilitator Training series is offered through The Institute for Poetic Medicine.

The Poetry as a Tool for Wellness (PTW) 8-session series is a guide to sharing this Poetic Medicine work with others. This powerful program is available to share by using the PTW Peer-Facilitator Manual in conjunction with either a webinar or live training options.

The live training offers a chance to experience the program as a participant, thoughtful guidance through the timing and use of the manual, support of a group/class training experience, and a cohort of peers to support each other beyond the training series. Once the series is complete there will be opportunities to meet online throughout the year for follow up and support.

Please note that this training and manual do not qualify or certify a person as a Poetry Therapist (a degree in therapy is required to use that title in the US). Once attendance for the program sessions has been verified a Certificate of Completion will be provided. This certificate does not qualify a participant for continuing education credit except through certain direct program offerings. If you are interested in learning more about including this program as part of your organization's continuing education opportunities please reach out to ptw@poeticmedicine.org

We are excited to share this Poetic Medicine Peer-Facilitation opportunity with you!

A bit of History about IPM:

The Institute for Poetic Medicine (IPM) was founded in 2005 by poet, author, and educator John Fox, PPM.

His goal was to bring poetry as a healing practice to a wider community. Since then hundreds of poetry circles have gathered, each with an emphasis on creating both a safe and creative circle, participants are guided by experienced Poetic Medicine Facilitators to approach poetry for self-understanding through reading, reflecting, and writing poetry. Sharing within the poetry circle is by invitation and is not necessary or expected.

In addition to poetry circles IPM also offers two options for facilitator training. Our 8-week Peer-Facilitator Training series offers guidance, practice, and feedback for those interested in using the Poetry as a Tool for Wellness series to share poetry circles in their communities. The more in-depth 3-year/3-phase Practitioner of Poetic Medicine training guides students through the process of designing and offering their own poetic medicine programs.

IPM also offers grant opportunities each year for those bringing poetry-as-healer to specific communities free of charge. These are called IPM Poetry Partners.

We invite you to learn more about IPM at our website:

www.poeticmedicine.org

Training 20 - Poetry as a Tool for Wellness

Peer-Facilitator Training