WHAT IS BIBLIOTHERAPY?

Bibliotherapy is the practice of helping individuals grow and develop through books.
Reading, writing, and discussion can provide an opportunity to work through grief, cope with
a difficult situation, or just explore developmentally-appropriate topics. The practice dates
back to the 1930s in the United States, and has widened to include self-help manuals and
even movies.

Clinical Bibliotherapy: used by trained professionals; meant to deal with significant

emotional or behavioral issues

Developmental Bibliotherapy: used by teachers, librarians, parents; meant to help children

grow and develop

Regardless of the application, using children’s literature can help teachers and students deal
with everything from behavior problems to social issues.

Many teachers practice bibliotherapy in some manner, often without giving their practice a
formal name. However, effective follow-up activities, thoughtful questions, and focused
discussion require that teachers are mindful about their use of books to address individual
and group issues.

Bibliotherapy may be used individually, with small groups, or even with an entire class,
depending on the need. Teachers may also consider involving parents in the reading and
follow-up activities.

As with most teaching strategies, bibliotherapy is a tool to be modified and adapted to a

particular context. However, the process always begins with identifying the need of the
students and selecting appropriate reading material. Teachers should take care to ensure
that the books are appropriate in terms of reading level, interest, and subject matter. It is
essential that teachers read the entire text and consider if any subjects addressed might
require parental input or consent.
BIBLIO

the purpose behind the use of bibliotherapy; to assist a youngster in overcoming the
emotional turmoil related to a real-life problem by having him/her read literature. the adult
provides guidance in the resolution of personal crisis through the use of directed readings
and follow-up activities.

The student is believed to receive the benefits of bibliotherapy by passing through three

stages:

Identification - the youngster identifies with a book character and events in the story, either
real or fictitious.  Sometimes it is best to have a character of similar age to the youngster
who faces similar events.  At other times, cartoon characters and stories are best.

Catharsis - the youngster becomes emotionally involved in the story and is able to release
pent-up emotions under safe conditions (often through discussion or art work); and

Insight - the youngster, after catharsis (with the help of the teacher), becomes aware that
his/her problems might also be addressed or solved.  Possible solutions to the book
character's and one's own personal problems are identified.

Assist the student in achieving closure through discussion and a listing of possible-solutions,
or some other activity.