The National Association for Poetry Therapy is an energetic, world-wide community of poets, writers, journalkeepers, helping professionals, health care professionals, educators, and lovers of words who recognize and appreciate the healing power of language.

Poetry therapists work in mental health, medical, geriatric, therapeutic, educational and community settings. The term "poetry therapy" encompasses bibliotherapy (the interactive use of literature) and journal therapy (the use of life-based reflective writing) as well as therapeutic storytelling, the use of film in therapy, and other language-based healing modalities.

Those who wish to become practitioners of poetry therapy are invited to explore the Certified Poetry Therapist (CPT) or, for licensed mental health professionals, Registered Poetry Therapist (RPT) credential training programs offered through the National Federation of Biblio/Poetry Therapy. Please visit our Training Section for more information.

Some important information for you to know:

(a) NAPT does not provide direct counseling or mental health services. If you are in need of counseling, please contact the following  resources: http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/databases/, www.aamft.org/, or http://www.naswdc.org/.

(b) NAPT does not accept any unsolicited submissions of poetry. When publications are planned, a call for submissions will be available on the website. Otherwise, submissions will not be acknowledged or returned.