Academic’s poetry book explores therapeutic effects
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Published
05 July 2023
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A University of East London academic from the School of Psychology has released a new book titled “Homecoming: Poetry as Therapy” which delves into the potential of poetry to impact and improve personal and collective well-being.
Dr Fevronia Christodoulidi, a senior lecturer in counselling and psychotherapy, has published Homecoming: Poetry As Therapy which features a collection of poems written over 15 years as well as articles on engaging with poetry in ways that can bring about a healing effect.
Dr Christodoulidi, who was born in Greece, said, "I have been living in the UK for 22 years and have been fluent in English as my second language all along.
"I always thought that poetry required a far more sophisticated level of language acquisition. However, writing this book has shown me that creative expression develops via an 'act of union' with our inner world and the world around us which results in discovering flow in one’s words, in often unexpected ways."
The book opens with a foreword in which Dr Christodoulidi traces her personal journey of creative expression through poetry. She also highlights the work of the Servers' Society UK Association, where she has been a founding member. All funds generated from the book will be dedicated to supporting the East London-based association's selfless service towards diverse communities.
Dr Christodoulidi's inspiration for exploring poetry as therapy stems from her upbringing in Greece, where she immersed herself in the verses of Greek poets and, in particular, the poetry by Dimitris Kakalidis whose contemporary teachings and writings have created a new school of thought.
Through her experiences as a psychotherapist, she discovered that poetry often played a pivotal role in her clients' healing journeys, catalysing insights and self-expression.
She said, "When I trained as a psychotherapist, it was often the case that when my clients would find themselves 'stuck' in their process, they would bring a piece of poetry in our sessions which would give an expression of something of significant meaning for them."
She added, "During the last decade, I also found myself writing poems during periods of significant transitions and life events."
Readers of Homecoming: Poetry as Therapy, published by Megas Seirios will encounter poems that touch upon themes of migration, home, belonging, and the human experience.
One piece that Dr Christodoulidi highlighted - Marbles In Exile - won a poetry prize in 2011 and invites contemplation on the concepts of home and exile. Another beloved poem, Siblings in Lockdown, explores the lessons Dr Christodoulidi learned from her children during the Covid-19 pandemic, emphasising the value of slowing down and nurturing relationships.
She said, "Engaging with this project has led me to discover that when we connect and 'meditate' with our inner process, the words can flow. It is almost like the words 'find you' and facilitate a meaning-making process within.
"In that sense, I would encourage anyone to experiment with writing creatively and find circles when this work can be shared, it is a way of fostering community and connection."
Looking ahead, Dr Christodoulidi wants to establish groups for UEL students and academics to participate in creative events, such as creative writing workshops, that can be integrated into various aspects of university life as well as supporting the communities of Newham and Tower Hamlets.
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