Bibliotherapy: Definition, History, and Current Applications
Bibliotherapy, or the use of literature to aid in mental health, is an increasingly popular form of psychotherapy. It has been used for centuries to help individuals, couples, and even groups, gain insight into their emotional and psychological wellbeing. This article will provide an overview of the definition and history of bibliotherapy, as well as provide examples of current applications.
Definition
Bibliotherapy (or “reading therapy”) is defined as the use of literature as a therapeutic tool to help individuals gain insight into their feelings and behavior. It has been used in many different forms, including self-help books, novels, poems, and even bibliotherapy groups. It can be used to help manage mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, stress, and trauma. Bibliotherapy can also be used to help individuals develop a healthier relationship with themselves and with others.
History
The use of literature as a tool for psychological healing has been documented as far back as the ancient Greeks. The philosopher Plato is credited with coining the term “bibliotherapy” to describe the use of literature as a form of healing. The term was later revived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, and other psychoanalysts. These psychoanalysts used literature to help their patients gain insight into their deepest thoughts and feelings.
In the mid-20th century, bibliotherapy was widely used in the United States by the American Library Association, which began offering bibliotherapy workshops in libraries. The workshops were designed to help individuals learn how to read and understand literature in a therapeutic way.
In the 1970s, bibliotherapy underwent a resurgence in the form of self-help books, which were designed to help individuals develop healthy coping skills and manage mental health issues.
Current Applications
Today, bibliotherapy is used in many different forms. Individuals can access self-help books, which are designed to help them manage mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and stress. These books often provide tips and strategies for coping with difficult emotions and situations.
Bibliotherapy is also used in group settings. In bibliotherapy groups, individuals read and discuss literature that is related to the group’s therapeutic goals. The literature is used to help individuals gain insight into their feelings and behavior, and to foster a sense of community among group members.
Bibliotherapy is also used in psychotherapy sessions. Therapists may assign their clients literature to read and discuss in order to gain insight into their emotional and psychological wellbeing.
Conclusion
Bibliotherapy is a form of psychotherapy that has been used for centuries to help individuals gain insight into their emotional and psychological wellbeing. It is a powerful tool that can be used to help individuals manage mental health issues, develop healthy coping skills, and foster a sense of community.
References
American Library Association. (n.d.). Bibliotherapy. Retrieved from https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bibliotherapy
Berman, J. (2018). Bibliotherapy: What it is and how it works. Retrieved from https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/bibliotherapy
Finch, A. (2019). Bibliotherapy: What it is and how it works. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/reading-between-the-headlines/201909/bibliotherapy-what-it-is-and-how-it-works
Norton, J. (2018). Bibliotherapy: How reading can help heal. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-reading-mind/201807/bibliotherapy-how-reading-can-help-heal