Bibliotherapy: Healing Through the Power of Stories
We often think of reading as a relaxing pastime, a way to unwind and escape the demands of daily life. It’s a form of self-care, allowing us to immerse ourselves in narratives, explore new worlds, and connect with characters on a personal level. But reading can be much more than just a pleasant diversion. It can be a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery, a practice known as bibliotherapy.
Bibliotherapy, simply put, is the use of literature to promote mental and emotional well-being. It’s the idea that stories can help us understand ourselves, process our experiences, and navigate the complexities of life. Emely Rumble, a licensed clinical social worker, biblio/psychotherapist, and professor at Queens College, has dedicated her career to this practice. Inspired by London’s Poetry Pharmacy, which offers books tailored to specific moods and emotional ailments, Rumble now champions bibliotherapy through her clinical work and her new book, "Bibliotherapy in the Bronx."
Far from being a trendy wellness fad, bibliotherapy is rooted in the understanding that storytelling has always been central to the human experience. We use stories to make sense of our past, present, and future, to explore our identities, and to connect with others. Have you ever felt deeply understood by a book, as if the author had somehow peered into your soul? Have you ever encountered a character whose struggles resonated with your own? If so, you’ve likely experienced the power of bibliotherapy firsthand.
In a therapeutic setting, bibliotherapy can take different forms. A therapist might recommend a specific book to a client based on their individual needs, or a client might bring a book to a session that has had a significant impact on them. Regardless of the approach, the book serves as a catalyst for discussion and self-reflection, helping individuals gain insights into their mental health and their place in the world. Studies have even shown that bibliotherapy can be effective in reducing symptoms of depression over time.
But you don’t need to be in therapy to benefit from bibliotherapy. You can incorporate it into your own reading practice by following a simple four-step process, according to Rumble. This process is designed to bring the unconscious to the conscious, to slow down and reflect on our experiences in a society that often prioritizes productivity over self-awareness. Reading, in this context, becomes an act of courage, forcing us to confront ourselves and our emotions.
Rumble has successfully used bibliotherapy to help clients navigate a wide range of challenges, from bodily changes during menopause to the struggles of anxiety and depression, coming out as queer, and healing from abandonment. She believes that anyone can benefit from this practice, regardless of their background or circumstances. For those who might feel hesitant about traditional therapy, bibliotherapy offers a more accessible and engaging alternative.
"A lot of folks would rather be at home reading or joining a book club than coming to therapy," Rumble notes. By training therapists in the art of incorporating literature into their practice, she hopes to reach a wider audience and make mental health support more appealing.
One of the biggest challenges to incorporating bibliotherapy into our lives is finding the time to read. In today’s busy world, it can feel like an uphill battle to carve out moments for stillness and reflection. However, Rumble emphasizes that setting a reading routine is an essential step in harnessing the healing power of literature. Intentionality is key.
She suggests scheduling specific times for reading, whether it’s during your lunch break, before bed, on your commute (audiobooks are a great option for drivers), or first thing in the morning. Carrying a book with you at all times, especially a collection of poetry, can provide opportunities for brief moments of mindful reading throughout the day. Rumble also recommends creating a curated bedside stack of books, including something "nourishing" like a guided journal, religious text, or poetry book, along with a few novels that you’re eager to explore. This can help prevent late-night doomscrolling and promote a more restful state of mind.
Finding a reading community, whether it’s a book club or a group of friends who enjoy silent reading events, can also enhance the experience of bibliotherapy. Sharing your thoughts and interpretations of books with others can provide new perspectives and deepen your understanding of yourself and the world around you.
It’s important to remember that bibliotherapy isn’t just for adults. Our childhood reading experiences often play a crucial role in shaping our understanding of emotions and the world. Stories like "A Bad Case of the Stripes" by David Shannon teach children the importance of staying true to themselves, while "Strega Nona" by Tomie dePaola can teach valuable lessons about trust.
"We know, when you’re in the business of building little people, how important emotional literacy is to cultivating a child’s narrative exploration," Rumble explains. By exposing children to a diverse range of stories, we can help them develop the emotional tools they need to navigate the complexities of life and become the people they want to be.
Bibliotherapy can be particularly helpful for children dealing with mental health challenges like anxiety or depression. Stories can provide a safe space for them to explore their feelings, process difficult experiences, and learn coping strategies. They can also help them understand the world around them in a more nuanced and compassionate way. Rumble shares an example of using books to help a child understand the war in Gaza, not by delving into the complexities of the conflict, but by focusing on the shared humanity of all cultures.
Rumble even uses hip-hop as a form of poetry bibliotherapy to connect with teenagers, recognizing the power of music to express emotions that are difficult to articulate. "When we listen to a song that matches the emotional tempo of what we’re feeling, it’s cathartic. It’s healing," she explains. "Sometimes we can’t access the language, especially when we’re hurting or traumatized or feeling overstimulated."
Ultimately, bibliotherapy is about harnessing the transformative power of stories to promote healing, self-discovery, and connection. It’s a reminder that reading can be more than just a pastime – it can be a pathway to a richer, more meaningful life. It’s about finding the stories that resonate with us, that challenge us, and that help us to understand ourselves and the world around us in new and profound ways. So pick up a book, settle in, and let the healing begin.
