Poetry therapy: An investigation of a multidimensional clinical model

The tripartite practice model for poetry therapy developed by Mazza (2003) is composed of receptive/prescriptive, expressive/creative, and symbolic/ceremonial modes (RES). The structure of this model was investigated by means of an online survey of therapists across disciplines. Analysis of the data collected supported the components of the RES as a suitable framework for describing the range of language arts-based methods used therapeutically, and for classification of therapists in relation to this application.

► Overview of the research base of poetry therapy and its link to clinical practice. ► PT model: receptive/prescriptive, expressive/creative, and symbolic/ceremonial (RES). ► Investigation of the structure of the RES model through an online survey of therapists. ► Results indicate support for the components of the model as a framework for poetry therapy. ► We report on the classification of therapists with respect to the RES model.