Notes On... Words That Hold Us
Poetry has a way of reaching into the spaces that we cannot touch. It bypasses the intellect and speaks directly to the soul. In therapy, poetry can be a bridge to emotions that are difficult to name, allowing for a kind of healing that logic alone cannot offer.
I remember learning about poetry therapy during my studies for Expressive modalities. Something that struck me was the word itself. The word poetry comes from the Greek poiesis, which means "to make" or "to create." Poiesis has been understood as "calling into existence that which has not been." Philosopher Martin Heidegger described poiesis as a "bringing-forth," much like a blossom unfolding or a butterfly emerging from its cocoon—a transition process from non-existence into presence. In this way, poetry is both an act of expression and a transformation tool, allowing us to construct and reconstruct our inner narratives.
When we read or write poetry, we step into a different rhythm of thought, one that slows us down, invites us inward, and fosters deep reflection. A single line can encapsulate an entire feeling, and a single stanza can mirror our experiences in ways that feel both deeply personal and universally true. In this way, poetry serves as both a container and an expander, holding our emotions while giving them room to breathe.
For clients who struggle to articulate their emotions, poetry provides a safe way in. Whether through reading poems that resonate or through the act of writing their own, clients can explore their inner worlds with a level of creative freedom that traditional conversation may not allow. A metaphor can hold grief in a way that feels safer than direct confrontation. A haiku can distill anxiety into a form that feels manageable. A free verse poem can unearth truths buried beneath years of silence.
Poetry also fosters mindfulness. To read a poem attentively is to practice presence—to sit with words and notice their weight, texture, and movement. It invites a form of attentiveness that mirrors mindfulness meditation, encouraging the reader to slow down and truly feel. Writing poetry, too, becomes an act of deep noticing, a way of witnessing the self with care and curiosity.
In my work as a therapist, I’ve seen poetry open doors for clients who felt stuck. I’ve seen it provide solace to those in pain and a voice to those who didn’t know they had one. Whether it's a line from Mary Oliver, a verse from Rainer Maria Rilke, or a few words of their own, poetry has a way of whispering, "You are not alone.”
So, if you’ve never turned to poetry in your healing process, I encourage you to give it a try. Read a poem each morning like a meditation. Write a few lines at the end of the day, even if they make no sense at first. Let language hold you, move you, and remind you that within the lines of a poem, there is always space for you to exist as you are.
