Poetry Therapist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of mental health and wellness, the role of poetry therapists has never been more crucial.

As we navigate the complexities of human emotions, the demand for skilled individuals who can utilize, decode, and apply the therapeutic power of poetry grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a poetry therapist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager creating the profile of the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the healing potential of poetry therapy,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable poetry therapist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s explore this further.

Poetry Therapist Duties and Responsibilities

Poetry Therapists use the therapeutic use of literature and poetry to promote healing, personal growth, and emotional well-being.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assessing clients’ mental health and emotional needs
• Designing and facilitating poetry therapy sessions for individuals or groups
• Selecting appropriate poems or other literary works that address the emotional issues of the client
• Guiding clients to express their thoughts and feelings through writing poetry or prose
• Facilitating discussions about literary works and the emotions they evoke
• Encouraging self-reflection and self-expression through poetic and literary techniques
• Tracking progress and adjusting treatment plans as necessary
• Collaborating with other mental health professionals to provide comprehensive care
• Staying updated with latest research and techniques in poetry therapy
• Maintaining confidentiality and following ethical guidelines in treatment

 

Poetry Therapist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a compassionate and talented Poetry Therapist to join our team.

The ideal candidate will use poetry and literature as a healing tool to assist clients in expressing their feelings and emotions and help them achieve a sense of well-being.

Poetry Therapist responsibilities include assessing client needs, developing personalized therapy plans, and conducting individual and group therapy sessions.

The successful candidate should have a solid understanding of psychotherapy techniques and a passion for literature and poetry, coupled with excellent interpersonal skills.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct individual and group poetry therapy sessions
• Assess individual needs and create personalized therapy plans
• Use poetry and other forms of literature to help clients express emotions and cope with challenges
• Evaluate and monitor client progress
• Document all sessions and client progress
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals for holistic care
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant literature and therapy techniques
• Adhere to professional standards, ethics, and confidentiality guidelines

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Poetry Therapist, Psychotherapist, or similar role
• Excellent knowledge of psychotherapy methods and poetry therapy techniques
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Empathy, patience and an open mind
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, or related field
• State License to practice psychotherapy
• Additional training or certification in Poetry Therapy is preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Poetry Therapist
• Work Environment: Clinical setting with potential for home visits. Some travel may be required for training or seminars.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Therapy Department Manager.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $46,000 minimum to $76,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Poetry Therapist Do?

Poetry Therapists use the power of language, symbolism, and metaphor provided through poetry to facilitate personal growth, healing, and greater self-awareness.

They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, counseling centers, and rehabilitation facilities.

They begin by choosing or creating poems that resonate with the experiences and emotions of their clients.

These poems are then used as a basis for discussion and reflection, encouraging clients to express their own thoughts and feelings.

The therapist guides the client through the process of writing their own poetry or prose, which provides a therapeutic outlet for personal expression.

The written pieces are then analyzed, discussed, and further used to identify and address issues, hopes, and fears.

Poetry therapists also conduct group therapy sessions where participants can share their creations and gain insights from others’ perspectives.

Moreover, they aim to foster resilience, empathy, and a better understanding of self and others through the shared experience of poetry.

They monitor the progress of their clients and adjust their therapeutic strategies accordingly.

 

Poetry Therapist Qualifications and Skills

A poetry therapist should possess the necessary skills and qualifications to effectively use poetic expression to facilitate personal growth, healing, and overall well-being, such as:

• Strong understanding and appreciation of poetry and its therapeutic impact.
• Empathy and sensitivity to understand and respond to the emotional needs of clients.
• Communication skills to interact with clients effectively, encouraging them to express their thoughts and feelings through poetry.
• Active listening skills to understand the experiences and emotions conveyed by clients in their poetic expressions.
• Interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with clients, creating a safe and supportive environment for therapeutic sessions.
• Creativity to suggest and guide the creation of therapeutic poems tailored to the needs of each client.
• Knowledge of various poetic forms and styles to introduce variety and stimulate creative expression in therapy sessions.
• Problem-solving skills to assist clients in exploring and resolving personal issues through the therapeutic use of poetry.
• Awareness of confidentiality principles to ensure the privacy and integrity of therapeutic sessions.

 

Poetry Therapist Experience Requirements

A poetry therapist typically requires a bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field.

This will provide them with a fundamental understanding of therapeutic techniques and human behavior.

In addition to their degree, most poetry therapists are also required to have a master’s degree in creative writing, literature, or a similar field.

This degree should focus significantly on poetry and may have involved workshops, seminars, or other experiences that allowed the individual to develop their understanding of poetry.

Furthermore, a poetry therapist must also have professional writing experience.

This may have been gained through publishing their own poetry, working as a professional editor or writer, or teaching creative writing.

Poetry therapists also need clinical experience.

This could be achieved by working under the supervision of a licensed therapist, working in a mental health setting, or gaining a license in therapy or counseling.

Some poetry therapists may have more advanced experience, such as a PhD in psychology or creative writing.

They may also have completed specialized training in poetry therapy, expressive arts therapy, or bibliotherapy.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may be qualified to supervise other poetry therapists, offer training programs, or lead poetry therapy groups.

 

Poetry Therapist Education and Training Requirements

To become a Poetry Therapist, one must usually have a bachelor’s degree, although the field of study may vary.

Common areas of study include psychology, English, creative writing, or another related field.

A strong background in literature, particularly poetry, is also important.

Following their bachelor’s degree, aspiring Poetry Therapists often pursue a master’s degree or higher in counseling, psychotherapy, or related fields.

Specialized training in Poetry Therapy is typically pursued after the completion of a master’s degree.

The International Federation for Biblio/Poetry Therapy offers a mentor-supervision training program which leads to the credential of Certified Poetry Therapist (CPT) or Registered Poetry Therapist (RPT).

Additionally, a good understanding of different therapeutic techniques and excellent communication skills are essential.

Some professionals may choose to become licensed as a counselor or therapist, depending on their state’s requirements.

Continuing education and professional development is important in this field to stay up to date with the latest research and methods in both therapy and literature.

Membership in professional organizations, such as the National Association for Poetry Therapy, can provide opportunities for networking, professional development, and staying current with trends in the field.

 

Poetry Therapist Salary Expectations

A Poetry Therapist earns an average salary of $49,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, location, and the particular organization they work for.

 

Poetry Therapist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Poetry Therapist need?

A Poetry Therapist should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to understand and respond to the emotions of their clients.

They should be able to provide an environment of trust and empathy.

They need to have a deep understanding of literature and various forms of poetry to facilitate meaningful therapeutic activities.

An eye for detail, analytical skills, and patience are also crucial for this role.

 

Do Poetry Therapists need a degree?

While a specific degree in Poetry Therapy does not exist, most Poetry Therapists have a background in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field.

Many also hold a Master’s degree or higher.

In addition, they are often required to complete certification programs through recognized bodies like the International Federation for Biblio/Poetry Therapy.

 

What should you look for in a Poetry Therapist resume?

Look for a background in counseling, social work, or psychology on a Poetry Therapist’s resume.

Any additional training or certification in creative arts therapies, including Poetry Therapy, is a strong plus.

Experience working with diverse populations and managing different emotional and mental health issues can also be beneficial.

Knowledge and passion for literature and poetry are essential.

 

What qualities make a good Poetry Therapist?

A good Poetry Therapist is empathetic, patient, and has a genuine desire to help others.

They have a strong passion for poetry and literature, and can use these mediums to connect with and help their clients express themselves.

They’re also good listeners and have the ability to create a safe, trusting, and inclusive environment for their clients.

 

What is the typical work environment for a Poetry Therapist?

A Poetry Therapist may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, correctional facilities, mental health clinics, and private practices.

They may also offer online sessions.

The work involves conducting individual or group therapy sessions, where they use poetry and other forms of literature to help clients express their feelings and work through their issues.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we delved into the soulful world of a poetry therapist.

And you know what?

It’s not just about writing poetry.

It’s about weaving the fabric of human emotions, one verse at a time.

With our go-to poetry therapist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to express your passion.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting thought-provoking listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every verse is a pathway to the human heart.

Let’s create that pathway. Together.