Nicholas Mazza

Poet-In-Residence, Dean Emeritus, Patricia V. Vance Professor of Social Work Emeritus
Nicholas Mazza

Contact Information

Office Location
University Center C2502
nfmazza@fsu.edu

Nicholas Mazza, Ph.D., is dean emeritus, and Patricia V. Vance Professor of Social Work Emeritus. He served as a faculty member from 1981 through 2015, the last seven years as dean (2008-2015). He is a published poet, and the founding (1987) and continuing editor of the Journal of Poetry Therapy. He is currently serving a second term as president of the National Association for Poetry Therapy (2022-2024). He holds Florida licenses in clinical social work, psychology, and marriage and family therapy.

AREAS OF FOCUS

  • Behavioral Health
  • Child Welfare
  • Clinical Social Work
  • Community Engagement
  • Gerontology
  • Healthcare
  • Homelessness
  • Human Rights
  • Intervention Research
  • Intimate Partner Violence
  • Loss/Bereavement
  • Mental Health
  • Mindfulness
  • Qualitative Research Methodology
  • Reading/Language Development
  • Resilience
  • Spirituality
  • Substance Use/Misuse
  • Trauma
  • Well-being

EDUCATION

  • PhD, 1981, Florida State University; Counseling & Human Systems
  • MSW, 1977, Rutgers University; Social Work
  • BA, 1971, Montclair State College; English

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

Mazza, N. (2025). Poetry therapy and death: Professional and personal experience. The Italian Journal of Poetry Therapy,12. https://www.poetrytherapy.it/i-numeri-della-rivista/numero-012/poesiaterapia-e-morte-esperienza-professionale-e-personale

Mazza, N. (2018) No place for indifference: Poetry therapy and empowerment in clinical, educational, and community practice, Journal of Poetry Therapy, 31:4,203-208.

Karpova, N.L. & Golzitskaya, A.A. & Czernianin, W & Chatzipentidis, K & Mazza, N. (2018). Bibliotherapy in Russia, in Poland, in USA. Voprosy Psikhologii. 2018. 136-144.

Mazza, N. (2017). The evolution of poetic inquiry, practice, education, and evaluation in poetry therapy. Journal of Poetry Therapy, 30, 1-2.

McPherson, J., & Mazza, N. (2014). Using arts activism and poetry to catalyze human rights engagement and reflection. Social Work Education: The International Journal, 33, 944-958. doi:10,1080/02615479.2014.885008

Mazza, N., & Hayton, C. (2013). Poetry therapy: An investigation of a multidimensional clinical model. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 40, 53-60.

Mazza, N. (2012). Poetry/creative writing for an arts and athletics community outreach program for at-risk youth. Journal of Poetry Therapy, 25, 225-231.

Heller, P. O., Reiter, S., Leedy, N., Mazza, N., Bell, G., Rojcewicz, S., & Bethea, B. (2011). The National Association for Poetry Therapy 30th anniversary celebration: Voices and visions. Journal of Poetry Therapy, 24, 35-48.

Mazza, N. (2009). The arts and family social work: A call for advancing practice, research, and education. Journal of Family Social Work, 12, 3-8.

Mazza, N. (2008). Twenty years of scholarship in the Journal of Poetry Therapy: The collected abstracts. Journal of Poetry Therapy, 21, 63-133.

Mazza, N. (2007). Words from the Heart: Poetry therapy and group work with the homeless. Journal of Poetry Therapy, 20, 203-209.

Mazza, N. (2006). Voices in flight: Integrating movement/dance with poetry therapy. Journal of Poetry Therapy, 19, 147-150.

Baker, K. C., & Mazza, N. (2004). The healing power of writing: Applying the expressive/creative component of poetry therapy. Journal of Poetry Therapy, 17, 141-154.

Maki, M. F., & Mazza, N. (2004). The use of poetry therapy interventions in working with elementary school children. Journal of School Social Work, 13, 74-83.

Brooks, L., Guerney, B., & Mazza, N. (2002). Relationship enhancement couples group therapy. Journal of Family Social Work, 6, 25-42.

Mazza, N. (2001). The place of the poetic in dealing with death and loss. Journal of Poetry Therapy, 15, 29-35.

Mazza, N. (2000). Poetry therapy and the community: The convergence of literary and clinical perspectives. Mantis: A Journal of Poetry, Criticism and Translation, 1, 118-122.

Mazza, N., & Vinton, L. (1999). A nationwide study of group work in nursing homes. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 24, 61-73.

Mazza, N. (1998). The place of poetry in gerontological social work education. Journal of Aging and Identity, 3, 25-34.

Mazza, N. (1998). The use of simulations, writing assignments, and assessment measures in family social work education. Journal of Family Social Work, 3, 71-83.

Vinton, L., Mazza, N., & Kim, Y. (1998). Aggression perpetrated by family members in nursing homes: An investigation of dynamics and interventions. Clinical Gerontologist, 19, 45-68.

Mazza, N. (1996). Poetry therapy: A framework and synthesis of techniques for family social work. Journal of Family Social Work, 3, 3-18.

Vinton, L., & Mazza, N. (1994). An exploratory study of aggressive behavior directed at nursing home personnel by residents' family members. The Gerontologist, 14, 528-533.

Vinton, L., & Mazza, N. (1994). Team teaching the crisis intervention and brief treatment course. Crisis Intervention and Time-Limited Treatment, 1, 73-83.

Mazza, N. (1993). Poetry therapy: Toward a research agenda for the 1990's. Arts in Psychotherapy, 20, 51-59.

Mazza, N. (1988). Poetry and technical proficiency in brief therapy: Bridging art and science. Journal of Poetry Therapy, 2, 3-10.

Mazza, N. (1988). The therapeutic use of poetry with the elderly. Clinical Gerontologist, 7, 81-85.

Mazza, N. (1987). Poetic approaches in brief psychotherapy. American Journal of Social Psychiatry, 7(2), 81-83.

Mazza, N., Magaz, C., & Scaturro, J. (1987). Poetry therapy with abused children. Arts in Psychotherapy, 14, 85-92.

Mazza, N. (1986). Poetry and popular music in social work education: The liberal arts perspective. Arts in Psychotherapy, 13, 293-299.

Mazza, N., & Price, B. (1985). When time counts: Poetry and music in short-term group treatment. Social Work with Groups, 8, 53-66.

Mazza, N., & Mazza, J. (1982). Elementary school children and career fantasy: Patterns, procedures, and implications. Viewpoints in Teaching and Learning, 58, 6-14.

Rollin, S., Mazza, N. F., & DeSonier, L. (1982). Sexuality and family planning: Components in counselor training. Texas Personnel and Guidance Journal, 10, 73-76.

Mazza, N. (1981). The use of poetry in treating the troubled adolescent. Adolescence, 16, 403-408.

Mazza, N., & Prescott, B. (1981). Poetry: An ancillary technique in couples group therapy. American Journal of Family Therapy, 9, 53-57.

Mazza, N. (1979). Poetry: A therapeutic tool in the early stages of alcoholism treatment. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 40, 123-128.

BOOKS PUBLISHED

Mazza, N. (2022). Poetry therapy: Theory and practice, 3rd Ed. New York: Routledge.

Mazza, N. (Ed.) (2017). Expressive therapies (Vols. 1-4). New York/London: Psychology Press/ Routledge.

Mazza, N. (2017). Poetry therapy: Theory and practice, 2nd Ed. New York: Routledge

Mazza, N. (2003). Poetry therapy: Theory and practice. New York: Brunner-Routledge.

Mazza, N. (1999). Poetry therapy: Interface of the arts and psychology. Boca Raton/London: CRC Press.

Figley, C., Bride, B., & Mazza, N. (1997). Death and trauma: The traumatology of grieving. Washington, DC: Taylor & Francis.

SELECTED GRANTS

Mazza, N. (2014) Florida Institute for Child Welfare at the FSU College of Social Work. Awarded by the Florida Legislature. Annual appropriation of $1,000,000.

Mazza, N. (2014). FSU Operation Family Caregiver (FSU OFC) program (for veterans). Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving (RCI) for Veterans. Total award $240,000.

Mazza, N. F. (2011–2013). CSW Arts and Athletics Community Outreach Program for At-Risk Youth. Funded by private donations. Total award $55,000.

Nicholas Mazza