Creating an empathic and healing poetic mantra for the soon-to-be-released prisoner

Abstract

The process of transformation within the mindset of the prisoner can be enhanced through the use of a poetic mantra. A framework for the creation of a dynamic poem that has been introduced to a population of incarcerated adult females is presented in this article. Through coaching and counseling, the poetic mantra was found to be largely accepted for use as a daily tool towards the objective of becoming positive and affirming of better life choices. Notions of anxiety, guilt and self-judgment are converted to statements of new direction and healing.

Keywords:

• Affirmation
• coaching
• empathy
• existential
• poetic
• psychotherapy
• transformation

Notes

1. On average, about 75% of the participants are of minority ethnicities. “By recognizing that there are such differences and incorporating this recognition in treatment, clinicians can make the treatment experience of ethnic and culturally diverse patients more satisfying” (Clark & Zweben, 1994, pp. 115–116).

2. The writer prompted her to speak about her poem in a positive light. She was easily able to do so, triggering a metamorphosed demeanor.