The therapeutic effect of reading was experienced by everyone who at least once in his life was fond of a book. And therefore, the favorite story is a proven remedy for the autumn blues, psychologists say.
The term “Library therapy” combines two wonderful and beloved topics – reading and psychology. The very idea of ”healing with the help of books” existed for a long time: on the doors of the library in Thebes was written “Place of healing of the soul.”
And people who told each other stories from ancient times understood that legends and fairy tales inspire and comfort, and not just entertain or inform us. This process contributes to our psychological development and helps us heal emotional wounds, educational psychologists Nancy Knapp and Paula Schwanenflugel believe. And here’s how it works.
Subject lines
Experts separate two directions of bibliotherapy, although it is believed that it is not easy to draw a line between them. The so-called developmental direction of bibliotherapy in the West is used in various institutions: with its help, children and adults are helped to solve some common problems.
For example, school staff use reading as a way to help themselves with bullying. Bibliotherapy is also practiced when working with older people who need to be motivated to take better care of themselves and their needs.
The clinical direction of bibliotherapy solves more complex problems. Therapists use books when working with emotional disorders. It is believed that reading has a positive effect on the state of clients, reduces the negative impact of their condition.
For example, poetry therapy has been successfully used to reduce anxiety and the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder in heart attack survivors. Of course, bibliotherapy is not a panacea: nevertheless, more often it acts as an adjunct to more traditional types of psychological work.
We are treated with verses
Bibliotherapy is more of a direction than a strictly calibrated therapeutic method. Sometimes therapists “prescribe” to clients certain works that will help them, as it is believed, to survive life’s difficulties. Librarianship is practiced either one-on-one with a client or in groups. In the latter case, all participants are invited to read and discuss one text.
Works can be very different: from lyrics to prose, from stories to poems. Knapp and Schwanenflugel also mention the healing power of memoirs and biographies of people who have had a hard time. Their example can inspire us to act, psychologists say.
Most experts believe that the process of reading itself is similar to that through which a client goes through on the couch at a psychotherapist.
Of course, in the process of therapy, it is not necessary to read the entire book. Short stories are considered more effective, especially if the client’s ability to hold attention is limited by their age or cognitive abilities. Both school workers and therapists often use picture books to stimulate development and teach coping.
Librarianship is quite possible to practice on your own. After all, we so love to return to our favorite books, which – we are sure of it! – they will cheer us up even on the saddest day. Sometimes we look for inspiration, sometimes we look for consolation or advice. And we certainly find them from our favorite authors.
Spectacular Pages
Psychologists argue a lot about what the beneficial effects of bibliotherapy are associated with. Are they due to the fact that we enjoy reading, or because we discuss the book with others? Probably both answers are correct. Most experts believe that the process of reading itself is similar to that through which a client goes through on the couch at a psychotherapist.
Just as in a psychologist’s office, the client – or reader – goes through the stages of identification, catharsis, and understanding. At the stage of identification, the reader forms a connection with the characters, feels a connection with their problems and goals. During catharsis, the reader follows the action of the book, empathizing with the characters from a relatively safe point. He sympathizes with their struggle and supports their hopes.
After identification and catharsis comes the stage of appropriation. The reader consciously acknowledges the similarities between himself and the characters. Finds “familiar” situations or circumstances and deliberately decides to apply the ideas or lessons of the characters in the book to their own lives.
Some psychologists also talk about the fourth stage – the level of universalization. At this stage, the reader understands that he is not alone, that others may face the same problems as himself. And that there are many ways to resolve them – including those that this or that book offers us. In this respect, Knapp and Schwanenflügel believe that bibliotherapy has an effect similar to what we experience when working in a psychological group.
What to read?
It is especially pleasant to experience the healing effect of a good book in late autumn. It’s dark outside, it’s drizzling, and we sit with our loved ones on the couch and enjoy good stories about eternal values. All these works can be read in 1-2 evenings, which makes them suitable for reading with children and grandchildren. Don’t forget to pour yourself some tea!
“Memories of a Christmas” by Truman Capote
A short story by the classic of American literature Truman Capote will plunge us into the pre-holiday atmosphere. The little hero of the story and his distant relative, who is considered a white crow in the family, are preparing ahead of time for the main event of the year. They are looking for the most correct Christmas tree, making simple gifts for each other, preparing treats.
The heroes of “Memories …” are looking for ways to please each other, despite the fact that their life cannot be called cloudless. But they have the main thing: love and the ability to enjoy the little things.
For whom: Capote’s story will appeal to grandmas, dads, and teenagers. Someone will remember how he puffed over homemade flags for the Christmas tree. And someone will smile, imagining the face of their closest friend.
“Lafertovskaya poppy plant”, Anthony Pogorelsky
A short story in the spirit of fantastic romanticism, written by Anthony Pogorelsky, is perfect for family reading. Here is an old witch selling poppy cakes, and an enchanted treasure, and a cat that turned into a groom, and first love. And most importantly, a happy ending!
For whom: “Lafertovskaya poppy seed” can be read together with junior and secondary schoolchildren and even stretch this pleasure for a couple of autumn evenings. Everyone will like it – including the cat, of course.
“Gifts of the Magi” O. Henry
Stories about happy, mutual love rarely become hits. But it was The Gift of the Magi, in which if anyone suffers, it is only from a lack of material resources that has become the hallmark of the writer. Della, the main character of the story, decides to sell her hair in order to buy her beloved husband Jim a valuable gift. Jim, it turns out, also worried about how to please his wife and not stay on the beans …
For whom: the story will especially appeal to those who are already planning their spending on early sales and are worried about whether they have enough money and imagination for the best gifts in the world.
“Old World Landowners” Nikolai Gogol
One of the most touching stories from the Mirgorod cycle seems to have been undeservedly deprived of attention. Meanwhile, the description of the quiet and peaceful life that the elderly landowners Afanasy Ivanovich and Pulcheria Ivanovna lead can touch a nerve. Most of the story is, in fact, a story about their life and pastime.
And behind the everyday communication of the heroes, behind their care for each other, we see important messages about love and respect that they carried through life. A bonus is a detailed description of Afanasy Ivanovich’s meals: salted mushrooms, pies, vodka on peach pits and other utensils.
For whom: for those who already miss the long summer in the countryside. Also, the story will appeal to those who are looking for new culinary ideas.
What else to read: “The book is like medicine. A to Z Literary Emergency by Ella Berthou and Susan Elderkin is a collection of writing “recipes” for all occasions. With high pressure, bibliotherapist authors recommend reading The Waves by Virginia Woolf, and with a cold, which is not surprising, Moomin and the Comet by Tove Jansson.