Therapeutic SOULSPEAK: The use of ancient oral poetry forms in therapy

Abstract

Therapeutic SOULSPEAK is an oral, communal form of poetry adapted from the forms of our preliterate past that can be used by anyone of any age regardless of educational, cultural, intellectual or emotional limitations. Despite the depth of the poems possible under SOULSPEAK, experience has shown it to be a nontraumatic, healing experience. Evaluations by teachers and therapists over an eight-year period support these observations. Of equal importance, it is a form of poetry that can be directed to critical unconscious areas. It also a form of poetry that is so human it can be mastered by anyone in a matter of minutes. And finally, once learned, it can be used for a lifetime.

Keywords:

• Therapeutic SOULSPEAK
• oral
• healing
• spontaneous
• poetry therapy