ABSTRACT
In his “Hymn of Apollo”, Shelley celebrated the ancient connection between poetry and healing, a relationship that has been recognized since antiquity. The power of poetry as a healing device is that it gives voice to those things that, for a variety of reasons, might normally go unsaid. In psychotherapy, the screen provided by poetry can allow for the expression of traumatic and affect-laden material in a form that is less threatening than direct verbalization, allowing for it to be processed and integrated into the self. It can also provide a sense of structure that can then be translated into improved cognitive organization for those struggling with psychotic disorganization. When presented in a group format, the reading and creation of poems is a way to create group cohesion and encourage participation from even the most withdrawn and isolated members. This chapter will provide a theoretical basis for using poetry with forensic and mentally ill populations, as well as discuss the actual techniques that can be used in both group and individual formats. Cases demonstrating the applications of these techniques will also be presented.
