Episode 157

The Medicine of Surrender, Poetry, and Metaphor With Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer

Published on: 16th June, 2025

Can poetry be a form of medicine? Dr. Diana Hill explores this profound question with poet Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer on the Wise Effort Show. They discuss the role of poetry in emotional processing, grief, love, and connection. Diana shares how Rosemerry’s poetry has personally influenced her life and work. Rosemerry reads some of her poems, discusses her daily practice of writing a poem everyday, and offers insights into how poetry can help us be present with our pain and transform it. Drawing from her own experiences, especially the tragic loss of her son, Rosemerry explains how metaphors and a daily writing habit can serve as healing practices.

Join this insightful conversation to discover the therapeutic potential of poetry and how it can guide us through life's most challenging moments.

In This Episode, We Explore:

  • The Power of Poetry in Therapy
  • Rosemary's Personal Journey with Poetry
  • Daily Writing Practice and Its Benefits
  • Embracing Imperfection and Truth
  • Sharing Personal Grief Publicly

Suggested Next Episode:

Episode 138: Holding Space for Yourself and Others With Tom Parkes

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Thanks to the team, Craig and Ashley Hiatt, and Benjamin Gould of Bell & Branch for your beautiful music.

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Come to the Tell the Truth Salon on October 1

See Diana Hill and Rosemerry Trommer during this special live event. Join in-person and live stream.

Tell the Truth Salon Series

Come to the Tell the Truth Salon on October 1

See Diana Hill and Rosemerry Trommer during this special live event. Join in-person and live stream.

Tell the Truth Salon Series

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    Diana Hill

    Diana Hill, PhD is a clinical psychologist, international trainer and sought-out speaker on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and compassion. Host of the podcast Wise Effort with Dr. Diana Hill and author of The Self-Compassion Daily Journal, The ACT Daily Journal, and the upcoming book Wise Effort, Diana works with organizations and individuals to develop psychological flexibility so that they can grow fulfilling and impactful lives.

    Integrating her over 20 years of meditation experience with yoga and psychological training, Diana guest teaches at InsightLA, Blue Spirit Costa Rica, PESI, Praxis Continuing Education, Yoga Soup and Insight Timer Meditation. She is on the board for the Institute for Better Health, and blogs for Psychology Today and Mindful.org. Diana practices what she preaches in her daily life as a mom of two boys and bee guardian. Go to drdianahill.com or her channels on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube (@drdianahill) to learn more.