First in New Zealand & Australia
Poetry Therapy Facilitation Training
A transformative two-year professional development program that equips you with the skills to facilitate powerful writing experiences for personal growth and emotional healing.
Guiding Transformative Journeys
Our Poetry Therapy Facilitation Training is designed for helping professionals, educators, community leaders, and creative practitioners who want to create safe, supportive environments where individuals can explore their inner landscapes through poetry and writing.
We provide comprehensive training in facilitating experiences that go beyond literary creation, focusing instead on helping participants unlock hidden aspects of self, process complex emotions, and transform personal experiences into powerful stories of resilience.
Facilitators will learn to support others in listening to their inner wisdom, giving voice to unspoken experiences, and developing emotional literacy.
Who Can Benefit?
Our pioneering program serves a diverse range of professionals seeking to incorporate poetry therapy into their practice.
Educators
Teachers and professors seeking creative classroom approaches to enhance emotional literacy and self-expression.
Community Workers
Those supporting group healing processes and community-based initiatives focused on collective wellbeing.
Writers
Creative writers interested in facilitation and using writing as a tool for personal and community transformation.
Wellness Professionals
Practitioners seeking to incorporate expressive writing techniques into holistic wellness programs.
Therapeutic Practitioners
Therapists wanting to include writing and poetry in their group and individual work with clients.
Passionate Individuals
Anyone with a deep interest in collective storytelling and the healing power of personal expression.
Program Overview
Our comprehensive 400-hour training combines theoretical learning, practical experience, and personal development over two years.
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A Holistic Approach to Poetry Therapy
The two-year part-time training is meticulously designed to provide participants with comprehensive skills in poetry-based group and one-to-one facilitation, combining:
Theoretical Learning (120 hours) - Comprehensive online lectures, critical readings, monthly reflection, and diverse poetic traditions
Facilitation Practice (120 hours) - Hands-on experience designing and leading poetry therapy sessions
Peer Experience (60 hours) - Group supervision sessions and collaborative writing groups
Immersive Retreats (60 hours) - Three in-person immersive weekends for embodied learning
One-to-One Supervision (40 hours) - Individual mentorship and tailored professional guidance
This program represents the first comprehensive Poetry Therapy Facilitation certification in New Zealand and Australia, preparing you to guide participants through powerful processes of self-discovery and emotional exploration.
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Flexible Learning for Working Professionals
Our Poetry Therapy Facilitation Training is specifically designed to accommodate working professionals with:
Flexible Schedule
Evening and weekend online sessions
Three immersive retreats strategically scheduled across the two years
Manageable Time Commitment
Approximately 14 hours per month of learning
Self-paced study elements
Recording of live sessions available for review
Flexible assignment deadlines
Practical Integration
Opportunity to practice with existing groups
Integration of learning into your professional context
Build on your existing professional experience
Financial Flexibility
Clear payment structure without hidden costs
Discounted upfront annual payment
Monthly payment options
Professional Support
One-to-one supervision scheduled at convenient times
Online peer group meetings with flexible timing
Support for integrating poetry therapy into your current role
Network with other professionals while maintaining your career
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What Makes This Program Special
Our Poetry Therapy Facilitation Training stands out with these distinctive qualities:
Pioneering Program - First Poetry Therapy training in New Zealand and Australia
Balanced Approach - Combines rigorous academic theory with creative practice
Transformative Focus - Emphasizes personal and professional transformation
Inclusive Perspective - Diverse approach celebrating multiple poetic traditions
Personalized Development - Space to explore personal interests and specialized populations
Community Orientation - Emphasis on community, group, and personal growth settings
Versatile Application - Flexible application across diverse contexts
Thoughtful Framework - Trauma-informed, but not a clinical intervention
Creative Expression - Celebrates creative expression and community healing potential
Transferable Skills - Provides facilitation skills applicable in many settings
This groundbreaking training program represents a significant development in expressive arts practice in our region, bridging creative expression with intentional facilitation and support.
Investment
Flexible payment options designed to accommodate working professionals.
Annual Payment
$3,480
per year ($7,000 total)
Save $680 with our annual payment option.
Monthly Payment
$320
per month ($7,680 total)
Convenient monthly payments to manage your budget.
Meet Your Mentor
Learn from an experienced practitioner with a unique approach to poetry therapy.
Suzy Willow
As a registered Poetry Therapy Practitioner, Suzy brings a unique blend of professional expertise and personal passion to poetry therapy for personal development.
Professional Credentials
Registered Poetry Therapy Practitioner
Trained Counselor
Trauma-Sensitive Facilitator
Wellbeing Programs Practitioner
Home Poet
Philosophical Approach
Suzy's journey began with a profound discovery: poetry can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing. Inspired by poets like Mary Oliver, Naomi Shihab Nye, and David Whyte, she believes that everyone carries an internal poetic landscape waiting to be explored.
Her guiding principles include the belief that every individual is a carrier of poems, writing is a path to self-understanding, poetry can be a compass during life's transitions, and authentic self-expression is a powerful healing mechanism.
Ready to Begin Your Poetry Therapy Facilitation Journey?
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1
Information Session
Schedule your 30-minute Zoom information session to answer your questions and explore how this training aligns with your professional goals.
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2
Application
Complete your application pack and submit by 20 August, 2025.
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3
Begin Training
Start your transformative journey in September 2025.