Postcards from Here

Introducing Art Cards in the Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes (CWTP) Encounter to Support Access to Metaphor and Readiness for Poetic Techniques

Abstract

This article explores the art postcard/image as a creative writing for therapeutic purposes (CWTP) tool to support access to metaphor and readiness for employing poetic techniques in creative writing. It explores: the existing use of the image/object in CWTP; the tradition of using mental imagery in talking therapy; access to metaphor and stimulation of aesthetics in preparation for writing; some suggestions for CWTP practice; a small narrative reflexive self-study demonstrating this practice and some evaluative thoughts from practice participants.