About Poetry Therapy
The National Association for Poetry Therapy provides this useful definition of poetry therapy:
What is Poetry Therapy?
Poetry therapy is the use of language, symbol, and story in therapeutic, educational, growth, and community-building capacities. It relies upon the use of poems, stories, song lyrics, imagery, and metaphor to facilitate personal growth, healing, and greater self-awareness. Bibliotherapy, narrative, journal writing, metaphor, storytelling, and ritual are all within the realm of poetry therapy.
Sharing the Secret, Surviving the Silence by Call Number: TxD H600.8 Sh23Publication Date: 1993In 1993, the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault and the Texas Department of Health, Sexual Assault Prevention and Crisis Services Program adopted the theme: "Sharing the Secret, Surviving the Silence" for Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April of that year. The theme reflects the principle of allowing survivors of sexual assault the freedom to choose when where and how their healing begins. "Sharing the Secret" is one of the first steps in the healing process, for it allows the survivor to face this crime committed against them; "Surviving the Silence" is what most survivors have learned to live with. This anthology of poetry and art provided survivors of sexual assault with an opportunity to share their secret and express the often overwhelming feelings they endured while remaining silent.
Listen to the Children by Call Number: TxD H600.8 L697 1995Publication Date: 1995This anthology of poems and art by survivors of sexual abuse gives voice to their experiences, and difficult to express feelings. It is dedicated to the belief that the pain of sexual assault and abuse can end and that healing can occur in individuals, families, and communities.