Bibliotherapy

Bibliotherapy is a therapeutic approach to supporting mental health. Teachers and Librarians using bibliotherapy as a tool should be well versed in the aspects of mental health as well as acquire some training in relation to students and mental health. The American Library Association makes this clarification:

The duality of a guided therapy by a medical or psychiatric professional vs. directing the reader to a selection of books on an issue continues. The resources offered on this page address the directed reading aspect of bibliotherapy, which may distinguish from the more general readers’ advisory by the presence of the “problem” to be resolved through reading.

Some things to think about before you engage in Bibliotherapy with young people:

1. Course work and/or training in mental health is imperative to understanding how to approach this complex issue

2. Build relationships with mental health professionals in the school and/or community for support

3. Read the book yourself first and reflect on your own thoughts and feelings

4. Develop an awareness of self and personal self care in order to help others process effectively and to react through a trauma informed lense throughout the interaction

Resources for Bibliotherapy

• American Library Association: Bibliotherapy

• Good Therapy – Bibliotherapy

Other Resources for Book Lists

• 11 Books to Read during Mental Health Awareness Month

• B&N: 16 YAs that Get it Righ: Mental Health

• Good Reads: Mental Health YA

• List of Lists: Teens and Mental Health Resources

• SLJ: Hearts and Minds: Picture books that strengthen social emotional learning

© Anita Cellucci, The Empathetic Librarian. 2022.