Poetry + Therapy: Working With Words - Dr Stephanie Aspin Phd

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.

This workshop sets clinical practice in the context of theory: you can expect an overview of the key ideas underpinning poetry's potential for psychic healing alongside practical exercises you can use with clients or engage with personally.

Learning Objective Participants Can Expect From This Event

• This workshop sets clinical practice in the context of theory: you can expect an overview of the key ideas underpinning poetry's potential for psychic healing alongside practical exercises you can use with clients or engage with personally.
• You will develop the confidence to begin working with words.
• If you are already experienced in this way of working, deepen your understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of the relationship between poetry and therapy.

Who is This Workshop Appropriate For?

• All therapists and mental health practitioners with an interest in working with words, and people wishing to know more about this way of working for personal development. No prior experience or knowledge is necessary.

How May This Workshop Impact Your Practice?

• This workshop will show you how you can use poetry in creative and therapeutic ways, which are simple and practical.

Link to book on PCCS website:
https://www.pccs-books.co.uk/products/poetry-and-therapy-why-words-help

RECORDING 

This event will be recorded and you can use the ticket function to pre-purchase the recording before the event. This will be useful for colleagues who are not able to attend the event live and also for those who attend the event live and want to watch it again.

ZOOM 

This event will be hosted on the Zoom meeting platform where we will use our cameras and microphones to interact with each other as a group.

SELF-SELECT FEE

The self-select fee is a radical inclusion policy to open learning for all colleagues. The guide price for this event is £20.00, however, we appreciate that income varies greatly in different locations and circumstances. Please contribute what you can to help us maintain inclusive professional training.

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At Onlinevents, we and the presenters we collaborate with are committed to working in a way that aligns with the ethical codes and frameworks of our respective professional organisations. We expect all colleagues attending our events to uphold the ethical principles of their professional membership.

If you are not a member of a professional organisation, we ask that you participate in a way that is both authentic and respectful, fostering a space of mutual learning and professional engagement.

By registering for this event, you agree to be present and interact in a manner that reflects these principles.

Dr Stephanie Aspin Phd

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 - see website for details. Stephanie's recent book is Poetry + Therapy: Why Words Work (PCCS, 2025)

Website | www.stephanieaspin.com