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What is poetry and what does poetry do? Why is poetry a force for psychological change?
Words and language - and by implication, creative writing - offer us a way of expressing ourselves and getting our feelings out into the world in ways that feel psychologically helpful. They offer us a route to catharsis and the opportunity to connect with other people. When we approach language poetically, language can do other things that bring about change at a psychological level. Poems allow us to hear and feel the multiplicity of meanings because this is how poetry works. Poetry actively encourages us to listen to language in more complex and multi-faceted ways – ways that make us take account of the sounds and rhythms of words, and their associations through its use of metaphor and other figurative tropes. It is because poetry asks us to move into a psychological space where meaning must be discovered and made that it is such fertile ground for psychological repair and healing.
Stephanie Aspin is an integrative therapist by training and in her clinical practice. Additionally, she has a background in literary criticism and theory. In Poetry and Therapy, she takes us from the practice of writing therapeutically and passes through a range of psychological and psychoanalytic ideas. She draws on philosophical ideas, including those about poetry, literature, and art more widely because they are important to understanding why words help. Ultimately, the reader gains a fuller understanding of the place of poetry within therapeutic practice, which includes not only the what but also the why.
Throughout, Aspin includes examples of work produced in her own clinical practice. She also includes references to published poems, many by poets such as T.S. Eliot, Emily Dickinson and Sylvia Plath. At the end of each chapter are exercises for the reader to try out and additional exercises are provided in the Appendix.
Preface: What is poetry, and what does poetry do?
1 To begin at the beginning
2 Writing in groups
3 Identity is not in the head
4 Telling tales
5 The isle is full of noises
Concluding thoughts: Dans le fond des forêts votre image me suit
Appendix: Further exercises for practice
'Using her own extensive practice as a therapist and her deep understanding of how language and poetry works, Stephanie Aspin has written a remarkable book which articulates what I have felt for a very long time as a practicing poet – all poetry writing has the potential for therapeutic benefit. This is an excellent foundation to understanding the connections between poetry and therapy, between poems and dreams, between alchemy and metaphor. Aspin translates theory into practical application and offers a generous amount of tried and tested exercises, many of which would be just as useful in a poetry writing workshop as they have proven to be in her own clinical practice.'
Helen Ivory, poet, tutor, author of 'Constructing a Witch' (Bloodaxe 2024)
'In this personal and readable book, Stephanie Aspin skilfully weaves the work of poets and poetry with insights into psychoanalysis and semiotics. She applies the theory to her experiences working with clients and poetry therapy groups, bringing their voices into the space. Therapists concerned with the healing potential of language as an art form will find inspiration here, whether in thinking about ritual, identity, or looking for practical ideas to offer to others.'
Dr Victoria Field, writer and poetry therapist
'Poetry and Therapy is a rich, intelligent, and deeply humane offering that weaves together the power of poetry, therapeutic insight, and philosophical depth. As someone committed to moving beyond pathologising models of distress, I found this book both affirming and inspiring. Stephanie Aspin invites therapists and those in training into a textured and thoughtful exploration of how and why words can transform. This is not just a book about using poetry in therapy, it is a powerful and compelling reminder that language, metaphor, and creative expression are central to the telling of stories, the making of meaning, and the journeys of healing.'
Jo Watson, psychotherapist, supervisor, trainer, activist and Editor of 'We Are the Change-Makers: Poems supporting Drop the Disorder!'
Stephanie Aspin is an integrative psychotherapeutic counsellor, author, coach, teacher, academic and poetry lover. She has a PhD in Counselling Studies and a PhD in American Literature. She is co-founder of A-typicats Neurodiversity Training, Coaching & Consultancy. Stephanie often runs hands-on writing and expressive arts groups and she is a member of the Association of Person Centred Creative Arts (APCCA).
