There are many forms of therapy
For many, the word “therapy” conjures up a mental picture of a leather couch in a room full of books as a soft-spoken psychiatrist sits patiently by, notebook and pen in hand, asking question after question. But most times, this does not work for children.
Instead, many other types of therapy techniques that involve play and music can deliver positive results for kids. Additional therapies include animal, equine, music, and arts therapies. But have you ever heard of the benefits of poetry therapy?
Poetry therapy
National Association for Poetry Therapy explains that Poetry Therapy is a process that uses language, symbols, and stories in a therapeutic, educational, and developmental way. It is also a way to bring people together and help individuals grow, and promote self-awareness. This involves using poetry works, narratives, music, visuals, and comparisons for personal growth and healing.
The American Academy of Pediatrics conducted a study where 44 participations who used poetry intervention experienced statistically significant reductions in fear, sadness, anger, worry, and fatigue.
According to Psychology Today, writing poetry is a great way to explore feelings and promote self-discovery and self-awareness. Writing down your thoughts and feelings is a way to give them a voice and validate everything you are feeling.
If a poetry therapy journey is on your or your child’s horizon, consider starting a journal to track important events and feelings. A written journal is a wonderful resource to reflect upon and use to tell your personal story through a poem that paints a lyrical picture with your words.
Poetry Month 2023
April 2023 was National Poetry Month. Our Cayuga Centers clinicians asked some of our youth to share their insightful and thought-provoking works. We are excited to share their very special creativity with you today.
I Never Felt So Alone – Kay’Mya, Age 14
I never felt so alone,
It expresses itself very loudly,
Making me scream and cry sadly,
This loneliness no one can heal,
Not even a love one can,
I can’t deal with heavy sadness
so I cry till my face can’t feel,
I never felt so alone,
Loneliness is about lack of intimacy,
How can I help this tendency if no
one has time for me?,
Just like when I try to be the bigger
person and text first,
Waiting for the dot dot dot to respond
to fill that empty spot but,
It does not…,
My hearts made of glass.
My mind of stone,
I’ve never felt so alone.
Friends Please – Sophia, Age 12
I found a girl she broke my heart, she held my hand told me i was a star, date me now break me later
Love me to death hurt me better, break me first hurt me later, I treat you better then anyone ever
Sometimes I felt like you never wanted us to be better, I really loved you I needed you more ever
You found someone else who treated you better, I hope you don’t treat the way you treated me
I hope you found the person you were meant to be, sometimes I hurt sometimes love
Sometimes I just need a hug, I really did love you but I just needed you to treat me better
I hope you find love for someone else, please don’t treat them like your so bitter
Please don’t be dry please don’t like just be nice and treat them right
Karma comes back please don’t bite back, you can find a cat in a hat, you give home just be here don’t leave it there
The clock hit midnight the time ran out, you hurt me first don’t leave me now
We don’t have to date just tell me why we cry in the time we die, give me some time I’ll be a better dime
You didn’t time to be a better dime why, we can both go back in time, I forgive you I just time
Open your eyes look around for the cat in a hat when sun goes down under the town
Just so you can be a better me and forgive and forget time we get
Why can’t we just be the best friends we were meant to be?
