Reclaiming language through art
For neurodivergent adults and individuals affected by trauma, learning a language can be more than an academic challenge—it can be a deeply personal and emotional process. Traditional methods often overlook the internal experiences of learners whose brains process language, emotion, and identity differently.
This is where poetry therapy steps in. At the intersection of language, healing, and self-expression, poetry therapy offers a powerful tool within the trauma-informed, neuroaffirming language classroom.
Why poetry therapy?
Poetry therapy is the intentional use of reading, writing, and discussing poetry to support emotional growth, healing, and self-discovery. It is grounded in expressive arts therapy and often used in clinical and educational settings to process trauma and strengthen identity.
For language learners, especially those with neurodivergent traits or trauma histories, poetry therapy offers:
A creative, non-linear path to emotional and linguistic expression
Relief from pressure to “perform” language “correctly”
Opportunities to explore identity, memory, and voice in a safe format
The unique needs of neurodivergent and trauma-affected language learners
Many adult learners bring invisible challenges into the classroom:
Autistic masking, which leads to emotional exhaustion
ADHD-related dysregulation, which affects memory and focus
Language trauma, from past ridicule, silence, or institutional failure
Complex PTSD, which hinders emotional safety and expression
In a trauma-informed setting, poetry can help:
Regulate emotions through rhythm and repetition
Externalize difficult experiences using metaphor and symbolic language
Restore agency by validating the learner’s own voice
“Poetry is the way we help give name to the nameless so it can be thought.”
Benefits of poetry therapy in language education
1. Emotional regulation through rhythm and form
Poetry has a natural rhythm that can ground and calm the nervous system. Neurodivergent learners often thrive in structured, sensory-conscious environments, and poetry’s cadence can create a soothing container for language practice.
2. Freedom from perfectionism
In poetry, breaking the rules is often part of the art. This liberates learners from the rigid structures of grammar-focused methods. They can play with fragments, sensations, and symbolism—gaining fluency through expression rather than correction.
3. Identity exploration
Writing poetry allows learners to explore multiple layers of self: cultural, neurodivergent, linguistic, and emotional. This can be especially powerful for those whose voices have been suppressed or pathologized.
4. Co-Regulation and community building
In a safe group setting, sharing poems can build intimacy and trust. Hearing others’ stories in poetic form normalizes emotions and affirms shared humanity, fostering a sense of belonging.
Sample poetry-based activities for your language class
“I Am” Poems: Use simple sentence starters to guide learners in writing affirming self-descriptions.
Reading neurodivergent poets: Introduce works by poets like Ocean Vuong or Rupi Kaur to inspire connection and voice.
Found poetry: Create poems from recycled class vocabulary, magazine cutouts, or text snippets—perfect for visual or divergent thinkers.
Sensory poems: Encourage learners to describe a moment using all five senses in a poetic form.
Multilingual poetry journals: Let learners mix their native language and target language freely, validating all aspects of their linguistic identity.
Final thoughts: Poetry as language, healing and home
For many neurodivergent and trauma-affected adults, language has long been a site of struggle or silence. By introducing poetry therapy into the language learning journey, we offer a new narrative: one of creativity, safety, expression, and empowerment.
At MariaOrtegaGarcia.com, I specialize in integrating trauma-informed, neuroaffirming principles into language education. Poetry therapy is one of the most transformative tools I’ve witnessed—helping learners not only speak, but feel, heal, and connect.
Want to experience this firsthand?
If you’re curious about poetry-based, trauma-informed language sessions or workshops, I invite you to connect with me. Let’s create a learning space where your voice—in every language—is welcome.
