ODL 354: Poetic Pathways: Enhancing Connection and Cognition through Creative Expression in Aging and Dementia

Please make sure to check with your own state board to ensure the transferability of CE credit for an asynchronous course. Some state boards may place restrictions regarding the modality of training required for ethics credits to be awarded. If this training indicates ethics credits are available, please verify that your state allows them to be earned through an on-demand course format.

2 CREDIT HOURS APPROVED FOR:

Social Workers
ASWB ACE – 2 CE Credits
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work – 2 Contact Hours
Psychologists
This course is not approved for APA Contact hours.
Counselors
NBCC ACEP – 2 Contact Hours
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners – 2 Contact Hours
Addiction Professionals
NAADAC – This course is not approved for NAADAC Contact hours.
Nurses
California Board of Registered Nursing – 2 Contact Hours
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners – 2 Contact Hours
Case Managers
CCMC – 2 Contact Hours

Created On:  8/28/25                    

Target Audience:

This course is targeted for social workers, counselors, nurses and case managers.

Overview:

This 2-hour interactive workshop explores the innovative and therapeutic use of poetry prompts with older adults, including those living with dementia. Facilitated by Sara English, a seasoned educator and practitioner in creative aging, this session will delve into her research findings, clinical applications, and lived experiences using poetry as a tool to enhance communication, identity, memory, and emotional expression among cognitively impaired and aging individuals.

Participants will examine the role of creative expression in maintaining personhood, preserving dignity, and fostering meaningful engagement in individuals who may be experiencing isolation, cognitive decline, or loss of verbal fluency. The training will also discuss how poetry can serve as a trauma-informed and ethically grounded approach to care. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in guided poetry prompt exercises and receive adaptable templates for clinical or community practice.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the session, the participant will be able to:

• Explain the cognitive, emotional, and psychosocial benefits of using poetry prompts with older adults and individuals with dementia, referencing current research and case examples.
• Describe at least three ways poetry interventions can support communication and emotional processing in people with memory loss or verbal limitations.
• Identify ethical considerations and person-centered practices when facilitating creative expression with aging and cognitively impaired populations.
• Demonstrate how to implement a basic poetry prompt activity adapted for individuals with mild to moderate cognitive impairment.

Presenter:

Sara J. English, PhD, LMSW, CPG, and Associate Professor of Social Work at Winthrop University

Dr. Sara J. English is an Associate Professor of Social Work and the faculty advisor for the Gerontology Minor Program at Winthrop University. She is a Certified Gerontology Professional (CPG) and AGE-SW fellow, and has presented her research at local, national, and international venues, including at the University of Bath and the University of Iceland, as well as in South Africa and New Zealand. She serves as the NASW-SC representative to the Alzheimer’s Advisory Board for the South Carolina Lieutenant Governor’s Office on Aging and was recognized by the NASW-SC as the Social Work Educator of the Year for 2022. Dr. English is the faculty representative for Phi Alpha social work honor society and serves as president of Winthrop’s chapter of Phi Kappa Phi national honor society. 

Dr. English studies the power of non-familial relationships among staff and residents of institutional settings. Dr. English also explores how simple mindfulness practices can enhance mental health and well-being, and was selected as Winthrop University’s Thompson Scholar for the academic year 2023-2024, creating a student-focused mindfulness program. She is passionate about utilizing the arts and mindfulness practices to enhance the lives of older persons and those who love them.