Therapeutic metaphors and personal meanings in group poetry therapy for people with schizophrenia

Abstract

This article concerns the therapeutic potential of metaphor in group poetry therapy, concentrating on the poetry therapy process of people diagnosed with schizophrenia. The data was collected in a one-year poetry therapy group. The main questions were: (1) What kind of therapeutic potential can metaphors offer in group poetry therapy? (2) What are the personal meanings and evaluations that the participants give to the therapy process and its effects on their lives? (3) What are the most significant elements in poetry therapy from the viewpoint of the client? The analysis was based on the Grounded theory method. The results showed that the most significant therapeutic factors of the process were social interaction, safety, and written self-expression. Writing in a group setting, especially through collaborative writing, had many positive effects on the clients. It allowed them to experience life’s worth raising their hope. Metaphors and collaborative writing made it possible to discuss difficult personal experiences.