How Do I Become A Poetry Therapist?
Summary Of Requirements For Certification/Registration 
Training Requirements For Certified Poetry Therapist (CPT)
Training Requirements For Registered Poetry Therapist (RPT)
Required Background Knowledge For Both CPTS & RPTS
Training Institutes
Educational Resources
For More Information (CPT/RPT Guidebook)

HOW DO I BECOME A POETRY THERAPIST?

The National Association for Poetry Therapy encourages the professional growth of the field and persons in it by facilitating training and encouraging pursuit of the designations of Certified Poetry Therapist (CPT) and Registered Poetry Therapist (RPT). As of June 2000, these designations are awarded by the Federation for Biblio/Poetry Therapy, an independent credentialing organization, to fully qualified applicants who have duly applied and been approved by the Federation. Prior to June 2000, credentialing was handled through the Certification Committee of NAPT.

Please note that the only persons authorized to call themselves poetry therapists are those who have fulfilled the training requirements and been awarded, or who are eligible to be awarded, the designation by the Federation for Biblio/Poetry Therapy (formerly NAPT, through its Certification Committee).

The requirements for certification summarized here are effective as of May 1, 1997. Those who began training before that date are entitled to complete their training under the requirements which were in effect when they submitted their letter of intent and training plan to the NAPT Certification Committee. Those who submit letters of intent after May 1, 1997 must complete their training under these requirements.

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SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION
AS A POETRY THERAPIST

Thousands of professionals use poetry and other forms of literature to foster personal growth and help achieve therapeutic goals with clients. However,

The only persons authorized to call themselves poetry therapists are those who have fulfilled the training requirements and have been awarded or who are eligible to be awarded the designation of either Certified Poetry Therapist (CPT) or Registered Poetry Therapist (RPT) by the Federation for Biblio/Poetry Therapy (formerly NAPT, through its Certification Committee).

The CPT is trained to facilitate groups and work with individuals in developmental settings such as schools, libraries, recreational facilities and similar growth and development oriented organizations. The CPT may also work in a mental health setting as an adjunct therapist in cooperation with a primary therapist. In clinical settings, the CPT works under the clinical supervision of an RPT or other qualified mental health professionals.

The CPT brings a unique background, blending love of literature and creative writing with an understanding of basic psychology and group dynamics. Although the CPT's training is geared to working in developmental settings with healthy populations, the CPT must be able to recognize the difference between "normalcy" and pathology, and must be able to determine when a distressed individual needs to be referred to another mental health professional.

The RPT has trained more extensively and in greater depth than the CPT and works with more difficult and troubled populations. Because the RPT has previously earned an advanced clinical degree in psychotherapy, counseling, psychiatry or social work, the RPT is qualified to work with clients of all types in settings such as clinics, hospitals, prisons and similar institutions, as well as with mentally healthy populations. RPTs also work with individuals having adjustment problems brought about by developmental or life crises or disabilities.

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TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFIED POETRY THERAPIST (CPT)

Bachelor's Degree and appropriate knowledge of psychology and literature

In addition to fulfilling these hours of training with appropriate supervision by a Mentor/Supervisor, the applicant must also meet personal qualifications.

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TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTERED POETRY THERAPIST (RPT)

Master's Degree or higher in a Clinical Field and appropriate knowledge of psychology and literature

** Requirement waived for applicants with a Ph.D. in a clinical field or a medical degree.

In addition to fulfilling these hours of training with appropriate supervision by a Mentor/Supervisor, the applicant must also meet personal qualifications.

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REQUIRED BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE FOR BOTH CPTs & RPTs

Psychology: Both CPTs and RPTs must demonstrate knowledge in areas of psychology including: personality; human development; abnormal psychology; methods of psychotherapy; group process. "Knowledge" is demonstrated by successful completion of a course, or an equivalent, in at least 3 core areas:

Literature: CPTs and RPTs must also demonstrate knowledge in areas of literature including: creative writing; poetic devices; literature of various genres appropriate for use in Poetry Therapy. A minimum of 3 courses are required in the core areas of literature; e.g.,

Possible Additional Courses (e.g.):

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TRAINING INSTITUTES
For programs that guide you through the CPT/RPT training process, click here.

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
For a downloadable list of educational resources in poetry and healing, please click here. (You will need Adobe's free Acrobat Reader to open it; download it here from Adobe.)

This list, organized alphabetically by state and country, identifies mentor-supervisors, classes, and workshops that support certification in poetry therapy.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION
The National Federation for Biblio/Poetry Therapy Guide to Training Requirements is a must-have book if you are considering becoming a poetry therapist. This guide spells out the fundamental components of the training program for a certified or registered poetry therapist. It includes templates for the initial training plan and the final application. In addition, the guidebook provides samples of the required documentation in the training process, a roster of approved mentor/supervisors, a listing of educational opportunities, and an essential bibliography for the poetry therapy scholar.

Order this CPT/RPT Guidebook on-line by using the buttons below, OR by sending $25.00, plus $5.00 shipping and handling (or $10.00 outside of the US), to:

NAPT CPT/RPT Guidebook 
c/o Diversified Management Services
525 S.W. 5th. Street, Suite A
Des Moines, Iowa 50309-4501
Phone: (515) 282-8192  Fax: (515) 282-9117
Tel: 1-866-844-NAPT

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