The National Association for Poetry Therapy Presents

NAPT In Conversation with Margaret Bryden: A Bad Poet’s Guide to Mental Health & Resilience

Workshop Description:

NAPT’s In Conversation series presents dynamic dialogues with a wide variety of individuals who have been touched, in one way or another, by poetry, storytelling, journaling, literature, and other expressive language arts practices. This series seeks not only to share the wisdom of poetry therapy masters but to also create space for diverse folks to share about how poetry has functioned in their lives. We will explore first-person accounts of what poetry does. The interviews in this series will take place live on Zoom with time set aside for audience Q&A. They will also be recorded and made available online.

The next In Conversation event will feature Margaret Bryden on Saturday, August 29th, 1:00-2:00pm EDT. She will speak about her new book, How I Understand It: A Bad Poet’s Guide to Mental Health & Resilience, which will be released on September 1, 2026. During the discussion, she will speak to how she has experienced the impact of poetry, both professionally and personally. She will read a few of her own poems and offer some favorite prompts for the audience to take with them.

Facilitator Bio:

Margaret Bryden, MBA, CMHC, is a therapist, author, and speaker who is passionate about making mental health more accessible. With degrees from the University of California, Berkeley, San Jose State University, and Westminster University, Margaret brings together expertise in psychology, business, and communication to make mental health concepts engaging and practical. She works in both private practice and psychiatric hospital settings, specializing in helping individuals and couples through trauma, addiction recovery, and life transitions. Her debut book, How I Understand It: A Bad Poet's Guide to Mental Health & Resilience, introduces the concept of "Bad Poetry"—a therapeutic tool to quiet the inner critic, deepen emotional awareness, and foster meaningful connection.

Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026

Time: 1:00pm - 2:00 pm (EST)

Venue: Zoom

Host:  Ashley Schaaf  ashley@poetrytherapy.org

Registration: 

           Members — free

   Non-Members — $10

* Funds from our virtual events support our conference scholarship fund. Please consider adding a donation if you are able.