The use of poetry therapy in sex therapy

Abstract

Poetry therapy has been shown to have benefits with many types of clients with many presenting issues. The goals and mechanics of poetry therapy lend well to the integration of poetry therapy into other therapeutic models, such as cognitive and narrative therapy. Sex therapy is an area of therapy that can easily integrate poetry therapy into its practices. Sexual exploration, comfort level talking about sex, and the meanings made of sexual experiences are all components of sex therapy that poetry therapy is uniquely capable of addressing. There are many techniques to help incorporate expressive poetry therapy into a sex therapy practice, as well as limitations and cautions that should be observed.

Keywords:

• poetry therapy
• sex therapy
• poetry
• expressive
• couples therapy

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ashley A. Floyd

Ashley Floyd, M.S. is a recent graduate from the University of Rhode Island Couple and Family Therapy program. She is currently working toward licensure and plans to pursue her PhD in Sex Education.