Bibliotherapy: Reading, Healing, and Wellness

Bibliotherapy is a systematic method that utilizes literature and other narrative forms to transform traditional reading into a strategy to cope with a variety of psychological conditions. The activity of reading as a healing practice comes from a longstanding tradition: bibliotherapy dates back to ancient Greece, when libraries were seen as sacred places with healing powers. Particular attention will be given to the history of using literature for healing purposes, starting from the first historical references to the present day. This course will focus on developing a deep understanding of the therapeutic functions of books for psychological issues such as depression, eating disorders, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and emotional and social development in adolescence. Coursework will examine the spectrum of bibliotherapeutic techniques and will enable students to experience bibliotherapy in action.