The Kathryn Videos:
Poetry Therapy in the Treatment of Complex Trauma
You don't need to be a poet to learn from and be inspired by this course!
Join Sherry Reiter, Phd, LCSW, RPT-M/S for three intimate poetry therapy sessions with Kathryn, a survivor of complex trauma. (Prior consent granted.)
In these sessions we do a deep dive involving historical trauma and its connection to issues surfacing during the time of Corona. Reiter demonstrates the power of poetry therapy techniques in these unscripted sessions.
Like this beautiful illustration of The Rose That Grew From Concrete, the survivor of complex trauma is stunning in resilience and the ability to thrive under the most harsh environmental conditions. During these tumultuous times, Kathryn is not alone in her struggle for psychological survival.
Scroll down for Curriculum Overview.
Course Excerpt
Sherry Reiter works with Kathryn, a trauma survivor, utilizing creative techniques.
Kathryn is a survivor of complex trauma. Her childhood was chaotic. Her father, a World War II veteran, was subject to sudden rage, and Kathryn used to hide in the chimney. She was sexually abused from the age of eight for several years, was a victim of domestic violence, and by age twenty-two, threw herself in front of a moving train. Despite all odds, Kathryn has survived.
Sherry Reiter demonstrates several creative techniques including:
• The Hapometer
• "Poiesis" - Poem Creation
• Talking to God
• Juxtaposition
• Creative Visualization
And so much more...
NYS Social Workers - 3 Self-Study CEUs
Sherry Reiter, Phd, LCSW is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Workers as an approved provide for continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0528.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to articulate the two different poetry therapy methods that lead to vibrant dialogue.
- Participants will be able to cite at least one strong advantage of using poetry in trauma treatment.
- Participants will recognize the significance of metaphor and imagery as important reflections of a client's emotional life.
- Participants will develop their abillty to analyze and interpret speech and written expression.
- Participants will develop the skill of discerning emotional nuances and patterns of language as opportunities for further expression.
- Participants will be able to incorporate bibliotherapy techniques into their work for greater awareness, insight, and enhanced problem solving.
Course Curriculum
