Writing for Healing: Poetry Prompts for Healing & Recovery

By Alison Mechelle

Recently, articles in the New York Times and the Harvard Business Review have been espousing the benefits of expressive writing as a form of healing. As more people seek ways to overcome stress, anxiety, or trauma; creative writing is perfectly positioned as a sensible and effective way to do that. This book is a collection of journal and poetry prompts, meant to inspire those who wish to embrace their love of creative writing and their need for accessible healing. It includes 26 journal prompts and 26 poetry prompts, all inspired by the 12 steps to recovery, a tried-and-true plan of healing and restoration that has helped millions of people. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alison Caddell
• Release date: May 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223418719

Alison Mechelle

ALISON MECHELLE is the pseudonym of Alison M. Caddell, a poet and writer from Tuskegee, Alabama. She currently teaches writing at Purdue University. In May 2022, she received the teaching award for Innovative Pedagogy from Purdue’s Professional Writing program. She also studied creative writing at the University of North Alabama, where she received the Master of Arts in Writing in May 2021, after completing a creative works thesis titled “The Creek City Chronicles.”

Book preview

Introduction: The Need for Healing and Recovery

Last year, I experienced a loss that inevitably changed my life: the passing of my mother. I know I am not the first to go through this type of grief, the grief of losing a parent. I'm also not the last. Yet, that doesn't lessen my need for healing and recovery. So, I've been figuring out how to do that.

There are many ways to achieve healing, but I found that writing and communication were the most consistent ways for me. There is a deep relief that comes from talking and writing about my thoughts and feelings.

Still, grief and pain and trauma can be very raw, personal, and intense. Talking about these things with people who are not trained counselors can be overwhelming – to yourself and to them. But we don't always have the funds and resources needed to access these professionals. 

Ultimately, writing has been the most consistent path to healing because I can always access it, no matter the circumstance. Even in the times when I can see a therapist, it's still nice to use journaling as a supplemental form of healing. Therefore, I’m grateful for the way writing enhances my self-care and personal revival.

Poetry as a Form of Writing for Healing

Ialso want to reassure you as a reader: the prompts in this journal were not randomly created – they are inspired by the Twelve Steps for Healing and Overcoming Trauma. This 12-step plan was initially implemented as a treatment for overcoming addiction, but it has become so popular that it’s now being used to meet a variety of