Why did you decide to take a course in Psychology?
When I began my higher education journey, I had my sights set on getting my degree in
early childhood education. However, when I took the required course in child psychology I fell in love with the intricate parts of the brain and how we function as individuals. My understanding of human behavior expanded while taking this course and I wanted to learn more about the exciting field of psychology. So, I quickly changed my major and I do not regret doing so. My training in psychology has equipped me with the ability to understand, show compassion and educate individuals who are experiencing mental and emotional challenges.
What challenges do you encounter as a practicing Anger Management Specialist-I (CAMS-I)?
Two challenges that I face as a practicing anger management specialist consist of getting individuals to understand that anger is a natural human emotion and dismantling the irrational belief that people and situations make us angry. With the first
challenge, many people believe being angry is a negative character flaw. This belief is untrue. Everyone experiences the feeling of anger because Anger is one of the body’s defense mechanisms against the thought of threat, frustration, needs not being met, etc.
You are allowed to feel the emotion of anger, however, you must control the behavioral response to anger. It is the destructive behavioral responses to anger that can be problematic not the emotion of anger. With the second challenge, when you believe that people or situations make you angry you give up your emotional control and allow others to pull your proverbial strings. It is not the person or situation that produces the feeling of anger within you, it is your thoughts about what the person did or did not do or what the situation took away or gave to you. Now that’s not to say that your thoughts are not valid in the moment but it’s getting you to understand the important role that your thoughts play in feeling angry. Often times when you adjust your thoughts you will produce healthy behavioral responses to anger.
What made you create “The Lyrical Healing” workshops?
Answer: I created Lyrical Healing after I read a book title “The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma.” One of the chapters in the book highlighted the effective approach of Poetry Therapy when assisting individuals with healing from emotional trauma. Once I finished the book, I enrolled to get the necessary certification and I made it my mission to infuse my love for poetry and my background in psychology to assist individuals with finding their voices and tearing down emotional barriers through writing poetry.
How can poetry help in healing people emotionally, spiritually, psychologically, and even physically?
When we engage in writing poetry or listening to a poem the right hemisphere of the brain, which is associated with memory and self-reflection, is stimulated. This stimulation boost comfort moods and strengthen overall cognitive health. Poetry is a multi-sensory experience which engages the brain in understanding the sounds, meaning, and emotions of words. The effective combination of metaphors words and rhymes that ispresented in poetry assist individuals with better expressing themselves and it helps them make sense of what they are experiencing.
How has being the Vice President of Empowerment Thru Spoken Word Poetry-TAPN2U “A Help to Heal” affected your life and relationship with others?
I have met some amazing people from all over the world, and I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in advocacy and philanthropy that capsulate my core values.
Dr Anita Powell, who is the Founder and Visionary of ESWP, has a compassionate, and empathetic personality, coupled with her global vision to bring peace to the masses, has taught me the importance of being true to yourself while providing compassion and empathy to the world.
Do you believe that writers, poets, and even artists can be great Psychologists?
The traditional role of a psychologist is to lead to client transformation. Poetry also can lead to profound transformation. If you couple these two disciplines together, it is my belief that you have a high probability for client transformation. Psychologist and Poets, both utilize words to foster self -revelation. Psychologist utilize spoken words and poets use the written word. If you are a psychologist, who is a poet, it is my belief that you have an advantage of combining two effective approaches to assist your clients with healing.
Can you tell our readers what inspired you to compose “Untwisted Me”?
This poem was birthed from a self reflection exercise that I forced myself to do after my divorce. I needed clarity on how I lost myself in the relationship. I wanted and needed a clear roadmap to begin again. Untwisted Me revealed to me the steps I needed to forgive myself for wearing blinders during my marriage, and the steps I needed to embrace and live my true identity.
Where do you draw inspiration for your writings?
My inspiration comes from past experiences, music, books I have read and also from conversations and interactions with people. I pretty much draw inspiration from anywhere, even nature and movies.
Your prose poetry piece “Two Shades” is quite interesting to read. What made you write this beautiful passage?
Two Shades of Me was created from my experience with Multiple Sclerosis. I was diagnosed in 1996. This piece of poetry conveys my emotional perception of trying to live my purpose, while multiple sclerosis is tagging along. It is definitely a vacillating performance, but I think I have it mastered now.
What is your message to aspiring authors out there?
My message for inspiring authors is know within yourself that your words will, and have the potential to transform someone’s life. Do not doubt yourself even if it’s just one person who reads your work and is transform, you have made a difference in this world.
Interview by: Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo
Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo is a multi-awarded International Author, Poet, and Visual Artist from the Philippines. She has 2 published books “Seasons of Emotions” and “Inner Reflections of the Muse” and a co-author to less than 200 international anthologies. Her works were already translated into 18 different languages.