The use of poetry in counselor training and supervision. Issue 3 (3rd July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McNichols, Christine; Witt, Karl J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of poetry therapy. Volume 31:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 145
• Page End: 164
• Publication Date: 2018-07-03
• Subjects: Counseling -- poetry -- supervision -- teaching -- and training; Poetry -- Therapeutic use -- Periodicals; 615.8516
• DOI: 10.1080/08893675.2018.1467820
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0889-3675

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Using an approach rooted in phenomenology and grounded theory, this qualitative study explored the use of poetry in counselor training. The first author created and implemented a poetry curriculum over a 15-week semester with graduate counseling students enrolled in either a practicum or internship course. Participants ( N = 10) described themselves as Hispanic or Mexican-American ( n = 5), White or Anglo ( n = 4), Black ( n = 1), female ( n = 8), and male ( n = 2). Ages ranged from 26 to 56. Data sources consisted of participants' journals, individual interviews, a researcher's observation journal, and consultation with the course instructors. Auerbach and Silverstein's [2003. Qualitative data: An introduction to coding and analysis . New York, NY: New York University] data analysis method resulted in six overarching constructs: co-constructing meaning through meeting, shifting the clinical gaze to being-in, finding unique outcomes, creating a new self-knowledge, changing dominant stories/thickening the plot, and writing the story. Additional analysis of participant-created poetry resulted in five found poems. The findings indicate that poetry use may contribute to counselor-in-training growth and development.