The concept of healing has been around as long as man has experienced sickness. From traditional remedies to modern medical practices, mankind has sought to cure illness in any way possible. With the rise of permanent hospital facilities in the early to mid 20th century, a historic form of healing began to re-emerge again in the medical community: bibliotherapy1. Bibliotherapy, which originated in ancient Egypt, was reintroduced as a method of treatment that utilizes literature to enhance the healing process. According to bibliotherapy expert, Robert Oxlade, explains, “Bibliotherapy refers to the use of literature as an aid to therapy.......the term signifies a common thread that we can all, in our different ways, contribute to or benefit from, reading and writing to enhance health, growth, healing and well-being”2 .
Bibliotherapy acknowledges the healing nature of literature, particularly for patients suffering from psychological trauma and mental illness. However, the powers of bibliotherapy may stretch beyond the mind and affect many different types of patients. Many studies have linked methods of communication to positive patient outcomes3. Literature, when read aloud to a patient, acts as a very specific form of communication that brings together approaches from bibliotherapy and positive communication strategies, in order to enable the healing process in patients. A Dose of Prose is a combination of the once popular hospital library, bibliotherapy, and effective communication strategies. The reader was developed with the hope of using healing literature to augment modern treatments of the 21st century. The purpose of this collection is to promote healing through literature and reincorporate literature into the healing processes of the 21st century.
If you are interested in participating as a reader, or would like to learn more please contact:
Windsor Sherrill
WSHERRI@clemson.edu
Thanks!