“Bibliotherapy is a therapeutic approach employing books and other forms of literature, typically alongside more traditional therapy modalities, to support a patient’s mental health.”
- Psychology Today
Can the type of book you read really change the way you think and feel? Bibliotherapy certainly thinks so.
This therapeutic approach suggests that engaging with specific kinds of literature, particularly fiction, can offer profound emotional and psychological benefits. By reading and reflecting on stories that resonate with our own experiences or introduce us to new perspectives, we can gain deeper insights into our feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
Bibliotherapy typically involves reading selected works, followed by discussion with a trained therapist or in a group setting. This method allows readers to process their emotions, confront past traumas, and develop greater empathy toward themselves and others. It works by creating a safe space for individuals to connect with the characters, themes, and situations in the stories they encounter, often allowing them to confront difficult emotions in a less direct and intimidating manner.
Ji Young Park. (2017, March 29). Bibliotherapy! [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/8wTWltJRgUk?si=FGZ41QtCRYEv_ki7