Poetry in Practice: A TEDx Talk by Megan Falley
In this powerful TEDx talk, poet and teaching artist Megan Falley shares how poetry became her path to healing, empowerment, and self-discovery. With vulnerability, she explores the potential of writing as a tool for processing trauma, reclaiming identity, and connecting with others. Whether you're new to poetry or already writing your truth, this video is a moving reminder that words have the power to heal.
Stories of Healing
You are never alone.This space is a collection of voices from people who have found strength, peace, and self-expression through poetry. These stories speak to the power of words to mend what feels broken, to say what feels unspeakable, and to remind us that healing is possible.Whether you're here to read, reflect, or share your own experience, we invite you to find comfort and connection in the stories shared below.
Breathing My Way Through Trauma With Poetry – by Jhilmil Breckenridge
“I could suddenly breathe. Poetry turned into my gills”.
In this deeply personal essay, poet and mental health advocate Jhilmil Breckenridge shares how poetry became a lifeline during her journey through trauma, including experiences of divorce, loss, and forced psychiatric incarceration. She describes how writing and reading poetry offered her a new way to breathe, both metaphorically and literally—providing solace when traditional therapies fell short. This piece is a powerful testament to the healing potential of creative expression.
The Therapeutic Power of Poetry: My Personal Reflections
– by Rachel Kelly
“I wasn’t well enough to read a chapter, let alone concentrate on a whole book. Instead, I found comfort in soothing poetic one-liners”
In this gentle and insightful reflection, writer and mental health advocate Rachel Kelly shares how poetry became a lifeline during her battle with severe depression. During times when reading full chapters was overwhelming, she found solace in short poetic lines that offered comfort and connection. Kelly reflects on how specific poems, like George Herbert’s Love (III), helped her navigate feelings of worthlessness and rediscover joy after personal loss. Her journey underscores poetry's profound capacity to heal and transform.
Poetry Therapy in Group Work: An MSW Student Perspective
– by Alina Kheyson
Social work student Alina Kheyson shares her experience developing and facilitating a poetry therapy group during her field placement. Drawing upon cognitive-behavioral principles and bibliotherapy, she crafted a curriculum accessible to adults at various cognitive levels. Through guided prompts and poetic forms like haiku, participants explored themes such as emotions, relationships, and mental health. Kheyson's narrative highlights the transformative power of poetry in fostering self-expression and healing within a group setting.
Poet Yashi Brown On Therapeutic Power Of Poetry & Creativity
Poet and mental health advocate Yashi Brown shares how poetry became a vital part of her healing journey through trauma and mental illness. Drawing from her personal experience living with bipolar disorder, Yashi speaks about how writing offered her clarity, connection, and a path toward emotional wellness.
Poetry Therapy: The transformative power of writing
Poet, psychologist, and educator Dr. Marianela Medrano explores how poetry serves as a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery. Drawing from her extensive experience in poetry therapy, she discusses how writing can help individuals process trauma, foster resilience, and reconnect with their inner selves. Dr. Medrano's perspective highlights the profound impact of poetic expression on mental and emotional well-being.