TW550: Intro to Poetry Therapy

Instructor: Nancy Scherlong

This course explores the many ways that the interactive use of poetry can help navigate the human journey.  Students will learn the leading theoretical model of poetry therapy to address universal life experiences, assess poems for use in personal growth contexts, participate in self-reflective writing experiences, and engage in classroom discussions designed to stimulate a deeper look at one’s own writing process.
CEUs Available
TW/PD Flex Elective

Required Text:  Biblio/Poetry Therapy: The Interactive Process: A Handbook, 3rd Ed., by Arleen Hynes & Mary Hynes-Berry, North Star Press, 2012. Must use 3rd ed. Available from Amazon.com

TW486 – Journaling with Brené

Instructor – Hanna Merin, CJF

In this course, we will explore Brené Brown’s best-selling book: “The Gifts of Imperfection”.
In this book, Brené sheds light on one of the foundations of the positive psychology approach, and strengthens the understanding of the meaning of happiness in our inner dictionary and in our lives, and how its existence is not in doubt even when we practice dealing with difficulties. Using expressive writing methods as a tool we discuss the themes of the book in addition to concepts such as compassion, satisfaction, acceptance, inclusion, happiness, joy, and more.

CEUs NOT available

Required Text:
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

TW547 – Navigating Poetry Through Uncertain Times: A Facilitator’s Guide

Instructor –  Elaine Brooks

These uncertain times have led many of us to poetry for inspiration and comfort, and many facilitators are offering writing groups for those struggling with isolation, fear, anxiety, grief, illness of self or loved ones. In this course, you’ll learn how to create facilitation plans specific to pandemic poetry. You’ll acquire a collection of pandemic-themed poems, and with the class you’ll co-create poetry prompts, warm-up activities, discussions questions and closing exercises. Orientation to the theory and practice of poetry therapy (e.g. TWI’s prior/concurrent Intro to Poetry Therapy preferred but not required).

CEUs Available
TW/PD Flex Elective

Required Text:
None

PD552 – Vision & Manifestation

Instructor –  Kathleen Adams

Does your therapeutic writing business need a jump-start? In this lively course based on the work of Robert Fritz (The Path of Least Resistance) you’ll learn the essential concepts and steps to create results out of the power of your conscious choice, using practical laws of applied physics. You’ll learn the four fundamental choices that successful manifestors make, the power of “create and adjust,” and a simple guided imagery technique that moves your vision into actualization. You’ll practice all of it and more through the manifestation of your course-long practice vision.   TWI trainees may extend this to a full professional development elective by completing an additional 30-day visioning journal and writing a final paper.

CEUs Available
Flex Elective

Required Text:
None required; The Path of Least Resistance by Robert Fritz is optional

TW475 – The Power of Bear and Wolf

Instructor: Linda Barnes

Explore adding the insight and power of animal spirit knowledge to your journal and poetry groups. This course introduces ways to use BEAR and WOLF POWER. Discover the historical symbolism of Bear, consider a variety of writing prompts, and adapt Journal Ladder steps to feature Bear’s themes of healing, rejuvenation, and powerful protection. We’ll look also at WOLF energy, which emphasizes the relationship to community, playfulness, and the strengths to be gained through collaborative endeavors. Calling upon Bear and Wolf is especially useful during the dark months of winter.

CEUs Available
TW Elective

Required Text:
No text required but for those interested in expanding their knowledge base, the book Animal-Speak: The Spiritual and Magical Powers of Creatures Great and Small by Ted Andrews is highly recommended.

TW554 – Visual Journaling: Drawing on the Healing Power of Self Expression

Instructor: Cyncie Winter LPC CJT

When we combine art journaling with expressive writing, we give ourselves an invaluable gift that helps us achieve insight, tranquility, clarity and depth of knowing.  As we move through this breakthrough book together by Barbara Ganim, and Susan Fox—both expressive art therapists—you will learn how to use the arts to reduce stress, release anger, resolve conflicts, get in touch with feelings, and give voice to your soul—even if you believe you can’t draw!  You will learn to set intentions, access the wisdom and resources found in the body, find visual images waiting there to teach us, and then converse with them, using journaling tools. Visual Journaling teaches a lifelong tool that helps us move beyond thought into the deep dimensions of feeling and intuitive knowing, as a force of healing.

CEUs Available
TW Elective

Required Text:
Visual Journaling: Going Deeper Than Words by Barbara Ganim and Susan Fox

TW512 – Pennebaker/Intro to Research

Instructor: Anjana Deshpande

Dr. James W. Pennebaker is the preeminent researcher in the field of therapeutic writing. This class incorporates guided writes based on the Pennebaker emotional release model and also offers an introduction to the basic concepts of social science research, including how to find and describe studies to include in your presentations.

CEUs Available
CJF Required Class

Required Text:
Writing to Heal by James W. Pennebaker