Podcast Highlights Power of Poetry in Mental Health Treatment

Frank Clark, MD, began using poetry in medical school for his own mental health and, once he found himself on the other side as a practitioner, he started using poetry as a way to connect with patients. Throughout his career, the use of poetry has enabled Dr. Clark to engage patients of all ages by offering them a new avenue of self-reflection and expression.  

This episode of Menninger Clinic’s Mind Dive podcast features Dr. Clark, accomplished psychiatrist and author, joining us for a conversation about how bringing the arts, especially in the form of poetry and writing, can radically change how effective therapy can be both in and outside of sessions.  

Dr. Clark is a board-certified adult outpatient psychiatrist at Prisma Health-Upstate and a clinical associate professor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville. He has authored two children’s books, “Positively Haiku: Illustrated Affirmations in 17 Syllables” and “Positively Haiku Part 2: Peace, Love, Discovery in 17 Syllables.” 

“We have to go beyond clinical walls to reach people,” says Dr. Clark. “Any time that I am writing I am writing for myself and for my community so that when I share them, I can pour hope into them. I believe we pour into our patients, and they can pour it into us.”  

Follow The Menninger Clinic on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to never miss an episode of Mind Dive. To submit a topic for discussion, email podcast@menninger.edu.  