In this episode of Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah, I interview Sarah Fletcher, a British-American poet who grew up in the UK and later pursued poetry and a PhD researching physical pain and poetry. We discuss the power of poetry to heal through rhythm, sound, precision, memorability, and how physical pain is difficult to capture in language, often relying on metaphor, including militaristic framing and the limits of the 1–10 pain scale.

We discuss how chronic pain is isolating, fragmentary, and hard to capture in narrative. Sarah also talks about some of the poetry and pain workshops she runs that build shared language and connection to capture the physical experience of pain in poetry, including reframing pain as an unwelcome guest at a house party. She notes a Canadian hospital’s “pain menus,” how expressive writing can improve healing, and the need to challenge mind–body dualism.

Sarah also cites T.S. Eliot’s “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” as life-changing and we also announce an upcoming shared podcast, “The Bibliotherapy Room" that we will be recording! Watch this space for more :)

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

01:49 Sarah’s Poetry Origins

04:55 Sound, Rhythm and Healing

06:58 Why Pain Resists Language

09:12 Metaphors We Use for Pain

11:51 Chronic Pain and Isolation

15:41 Living Alongside Pain

17:58 Creative Writing for Pain

22:20 Empathy Doubt and Doctors

26:07 Workshops Laughter and Relief

27:46 Pain Menus and Social Prescribing

31:51 Mind Body and Creativity

33:51 Life Changing Poem Pick

36:44 New Podcast Announcement

38:29 Closing Thanks and Farewell

Email us at bijal@booktherapy.io

Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and get new episodes as they are released. If you'd like access to the transcripts, do subscribe to my substack: Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah - Transcripts on Substack.

If you'd like a bibliotherapist in your pocket then you might find my book, Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading a helpful companion.

******************************************************************************************

Get 10% off with code PODCAST on the following:

Online Bibliotherapy Courses

Personalised Book Prescriptions

Bibliotherapy Sessions

You can also follow us on your preferred platform using the links below:

Instagram

Facebook

In this episode, Theresa Lola, an accomplished poet and published author, shares her journey from growing up in Nigeria to becoming a published poet in the UK. She discusses her fascination with poetry, especially grief poetry, and how it helps in processing complex emotions. Theresa delves into her creative process, the power of language, and how her cultural heritage shapes her work. The conversation also covers her initiatives like creative writing workshops for mental health and her new stationary brand ‘Your Envoi,’ designed to foster self-reflection and connection. Engaging and insightful, this episode highlights the therapeutic potential of poetry and creative expression.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:42 Theresa’s Early Life and Writing Journey

01:16 The Power of Poetry in Expressing Emotions

02:05 Transition to the UK and Early Career

05:58 Balancing Two Cultural Identities

08:32 The Influence of Language on Expression

13:13 Exploring the Significance of Names

19:39 Grief and Poetry

23:42 Exploring the Physicality and Rhythm of Grief

25:37 The Therapeutic Intentions Behind Poetry

26:20 The Process of Self-Reflection in Writing

26:50 Using Poetry to Capture Emotions and Experiences

28:16 Cultural Significance and Metaphors in Poetry

30:43 Creative Writing and Mental Health Initiatives

35:09 Advice for Emerging Poets

39:14 Launching a Wellness Stationery Brand

42:58 The Impact of Literature on Life

46:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

You can follow Theresa’s work as well as get copies of her two books (poetry collections) on her website or at the following links:

W: https://www.theresalola.com/

B: https://www.theresalola.com/books

Theresa’s Stationery Brand, Your Envoi: https://weareyourenvoi.com/

Social Media Channels:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/theresa_lola

Threads: @theresa_lola

X: https://x.com/theresa_lola

I hope you enjoyed this episode of Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah and if you’d like to find out more about Bibliotherapy you might find my book, Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading and

Email us at bijal@booktherapy.io

Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and get new episodes as they are released. If you'd like access to the transcripts, do subscribe to my substack: Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah - Transcripts on Substack.

If you'd like a bibliotherapist in your pocket then you might find my book, Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading a helpful companion.

******************************************************************************************

Get 10% off with code PODCAST on the following:

Online Bibliotherapy Courses

Personalised Book Prescriptions

Bibliotherapy Sessions

You can also follow us on your preferred platform using the links below:

Instagram

Facebook

In this episode of Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah, we sit down with Talya Bruck, a late-diagnosed neurodivergent drama therapist and the founder of Savanna Therapeutic Stories. Talia shares the inspiration behind her powerful therapeutic story series aimed at helping neurodivergent children navigate their experiences.

We dive into various topics discussed in her books, such as ADHD, autism, and parental mental illness, and explore the impact these stories have had on young readers. Talia also talks about the creative process behind her work, her collaborative efforts with other professionals, and the future projects that are in the pipeline.

Join us to learn more about how these therapeutic stories are making a meaningful difference in the lives of neurodivergent children and their families. Don't forget to check the links in the show notes for more information and to access Savanna Therapeutic Stories.

00:00 Introduction

02:26 How Savanna Therapeutic Stories Began

05:33 What Makes a Therapeutic Story

09:25 The Book Collection

13:30 Understanding Neurodiversity

17:35 Impact on Children and Families

24:47 The Writing Process

30:20 Drama Therapy Work

34:34 The Role of Books in Supporting Neurodiverse Children

37:40 Future Plans

You can follow Talya's work as well as get copies of the Savannah Therapeutic Stories on her website or amazon at the following links:

W: https://www.savanna-therapeutic.org.uk/

A: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Talya-Bruck/author/B0B89XGSCT

Social Media Channels:

IG: @savannatstories

Threads: @savannatstories

FB: https://www.facebook.com/talya.bruck

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/talya-bruck-b1977a49/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@savannatherapeuticstorie

Email us at bijal@booktherapy.io

Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and get new episodes as they are released. If you'd like access to the transcripts, do subscribe to my substack: Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah - Transcripts on Substack.

If you'd like a bibliotherapist in your pocket then you might find my book, Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading a helpful companion.

******************************************************************************************

Get 10% off with code PODCAST on the following:

Online Bibliotherapy Courses

Personalised Book Prescriptions

Bibliotherapy Sessions

You can also follow us on your preferred platform using the links below:

Instagram

Facebook