Originally from Springfield, Illinois, Patrick Weichert received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute in 1988. He now works with veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. When he isn’t working, Patrick Weichert enjoys writing poetry.
Poetry can also be an effective therapy technique for patients suffering from a multitude of personal and mental health issues. Poetry therapy refers to the use of poetry in clinical settings to promote increased awareness and cognitive healing. There are several ways in which a therapist might use poetry therapy in order to help a patient. For example, a therapist may choose a poem or collection of poetry for a patient to read in order to better come to terms with their own emotions and experiences. By reading someone else’s poetry, a patient may feel less alone in his or her own emotions.
Another method of poetry therapy requires the patient to write original poetry. In these cases, the process of writing one’s own poetry encourages the patient to confront and process their own difficult emotions in a safe, non-judgmental environment. What they may find difficult to put into words during a typical conversation with their therapist, the patient may be better equipped to write down and share later. Writing original poetry also encourages patients to express creativity, which can provide a boost in self-confidence and a general feeling of increased accomplishment.
Patrick Weichert understands that poetry can be both a hobby and an effective technique to process one’s emotions and experiences.
Patrick Weichert 