Could your beach reads actually be therapeutic? Bibliotherapy suggests they might
Reading novels like Book Boyfriend, Atmosphere, and Can’t Get Enough may seem like a simple form of entertainment, but did you know that it could actually be beneficial for your mental health? While bibliotherapy, the use of written materials as a form of treatment for mental health conditions, has been around for over a century, researchers are now exploring how creative bibliotherapy, using novels, poetry, plays, or even picture books, can improve our overall well-being.
Hoi Cheu, a marriage and family therapist and professor at Laurentian University in Ontario, uses bibliotherapy to help patients cope with challenges such as loneliness. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the patient’s story and using literature as a tool to help them navigate their own narratives. Cheu likens the practice of creative bibliotherapy to Chinese herbal medicine, where reading literature is a process that can aid in mental healing.
James Carney, an associate professor in the U.K., has conducted studies on creative bibliotherapy and found that the discussion of reading material is more beneficial than simply reading alone. Reflecting on the literature with a therapist or group can help individuals relate the content to their own experiences, making it more impactful and therapeutic.
Dr. Judith Laposa, a psychologist at Toronto’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, highlights the benefits of self-help books in helping individuals with mild to moderate depression understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Self-help books can serve as a starting point in mental health journeys and can help individuals feel less alone by seeing aspects of themselves in the characters described in the literature.
Creative bibliotherapy, which involves using fiction to indirectly explore difficult topics in a safe space, can also be beneficial for mental well-being. Fiction allows individuals to engage with troubling scenarios in a fictional setting, providing a different perspective on personal challenges. By experiencing these scenarios in a fictional context, readers can gain insights and potentially find solutions to their own issues.
While both Laposa and Carney caution about potential triggers in certain books, Cheu believes that when used properly, bibliotherapy can be a safe and effective tool in promoting mental well-being. Whether through one-on-one therapy, book clubs, or online discussions, bibliotherapy can offer a unique and valuable form of support for those seeking mental health treatment.
In conclusion, the therapeutic benefits of reading novels go beyond mere entertainment. Bibliotherapy, whether through self-help books or creative fiction, can provide individuals with a valuable tool for self-reflection, understanding, and healing. So next time you pick up a book like Book Boyfriend or Atmosphere, consider the potential positive impact it could have on your mental health.
