What is Bibliotherapy?
And how can it help you?
According to the New York Times, Mental Health Providers have seen a huge increase in demand since the pandemic started. It’s no surprise since the past few years have been difficult for all of us. I started therapy in 2020 myself, and it has shifted my mindset hugely. One of the biggest things that has helped me along with my bi-weekly therapy appointments has been Bibliotherapy. Bibliotherapy is a therapeutic practice that can be used alongside cognitive behavioral therapy or on its own. It’s defined by Psychology Today as “a therapeutic approach employing books and other forms of literature, typically alongside more traditional therapy modalities, to support a patient’s mental health.”
So you might be wondering, how exactly does it work? First, you would meet with a mental health professional, spend some time talking about what you would like to address, and the professional would “assign” you a book. You would read the book, and when you were finished, you would discuss it with your therapist. This can be done on a one-on-one basis or in a group therapy session.
Is Bibliotherapy Effective?
Bibliotherapy allows you to see your problem from a different perspective, looking through the eyes of a character in a book. It’s a safe way to explore yourself through another medium, and it can be very helpful. Also, it’s inexpensive. Although Bibliotherapy is generally something embarked upon with a professional, you can assign yourself books if therapy is not an option for you. It may be helpful to discuss the book with a loved one or someone who is going through the same thing you are.
My mom died in 2020, and I read a book shortly after about a character who had a loved one die in a very similar way. Watching someone else go through what I was going through was therapeutic, made me feel less alone, and allowed me to accept my grief as it was.
According to VeryWell Health, “Bibliotherapy helps you to gain insight into the personal challenges you’re dealing with and develop strategies to address the most concerning issues. It can also help promote problem solving, understanding, and self-awareness.”
Not only is Bibliotherapy effective, but reading, in general, can improve your mental state in many ways. According to Psychology Today, “Overall, the literature suggests that reading books — particularly those offering a new perspective or taking a reader outside their comfort zone — can increase empathy, tolerance for others, and interpersonal skills, such as the ability to read the emotions of others.” There are so many benefits of reading on your mood and emotions. I use reading as a form of meditation, a way to take a break from the anxieties in my life and escape for a little while to recharge.
How Can You Get Started With Bibliotherapy?
If you already have a therapist, you can ask them to assign you a book to read and discuss it with them afterward. This will naturally add Bibliotherapy to your practice. Otherwise, you can go to the International Federation for Biblio/Poetry Therapy’s website and decide on a professional that interests you.
If you are unable to work with a professional, you can research books that include the theme of whatever you’re struggling with. Many fiction books include characters who are struggling with anxiety, grief, trauma, addiction, and more. Just read the reviews before you dive in so you don’t waste your time.
Give Bibliotherapy a try and you’ll find yourself experiencing a myriad of benefits, and you might just understand yourself a little better when you’re through.
