Bibliotherapy is summarized as "the place where the human soul is healed", which was written above the doorway of a library in Ancient Greece. Bibliotherapy, which is a form of therapy applied through books, can also be explained as bringing the right book together with the right person at the right time. The use of books in psychological counseling dates back to ancient times. During the therapy phase, the psychologist assigns the patient to read a story related to the individual problems of the patient at home. In the next session, the ways in which the character struggles, which the patient recognizes in the story, are discussed. In this way, the patient realizes that he/she is not the first and only person who has experienced these problems and that there are various solutions.
Books have been used for a very long time to help people solve their problems. The mind and body may not recognize important problems such as anxiety, depression, fear or everyday problems. This therapy method aims to use books, poems and stories to help the individual solve the negative problems they are experiencing. The main goal of this therapy is to help the individual to explain himself/herself with the help of books, to make him/her see his/her problems and to help eliminate these problems.
How is Bibliotherapy Applied?
Psychological counselors first determine which topic they want to focus on. Then they continue their work by reading a summary or an important part of a story. In this study, stories that concern all humanity are commonly chosen. The important point here is to choose stories that deal with the problems experienced by the individual, that contain similar events and that people can react to. Then, what is expected from the individuals is to open the way for them to share what they have experienced related to the stories read. Accordingly, bibliotherapy consists of 3 parts and is applied accordingly;
Identification and reflection: The school is internalized with the characters in the book and story.
Purification: At this stage, the patient gets rid of their feelings through the stories they have read.
Integration and insight: In the last stage, the person who reads the story has an insight with the help of the counselor.
What are the Benefits of Bibliotherapy?
Bibliotherapy methods require constant interaction. In this process, the person learns to cope with more than one person and event, and manages to transform himself by helping himself in terms of feelings, actions and cognition. Therefore, we can list the benefits of bibliotherapy as follows;
- According to studies, reading books reduced stress by 66%.
- Bibliotherapy is useful in the treatment of anxiety.
- Reading the story of someone who has had similar experiences and feelings makes you feel less lonely.
- Real life does not always provide a good role model, but books do.
- Reading can reduce anxiety and has a calming effect.
- Books help to look at problems from a new perspective.
- Bibliotherapy and books have good effects on all age groups.
- Books can bring out words and language that can express and share emotions.
- Reading develops empathy. It gives different perspectives.
- Reading other people's stories helps us to understand our own life stories.
In addition, studies show that bibliotherapy can be useful in the treatment of anxiety, anxiety, fear, eating problems and many other psychological problems. In summary, 'Bibliotherapy Studies' are effective in solving people's problems. In addition, it prepares the ground for the development of a non-negative sense of self and effective behavior change.
How Should I Choose Books in Bibliotherapy Practices?
When the biotherapy method is to be used on patients, there are some rules that experts and trainers should not ignore when choosing books;
- First, the interests and problems of the person or persons should be determined.
- The reading levels of the people who will read the book should be determined.
- Books that deal with stories that are appropriate to the negative events that the person has experienced should be preferred.
- The interest level and problem of the person reading the book should be matched.
- The selected book should correspond to the person's level of understanding and perception. Books with comprehension difficulties distract the person from the story.
- Every detail from the cover of the book to the size of the text should be carefully selected.
- The book should be a literary work. The main purpose here is to try to solve a problem while improving the literary level of the person reading and understanding the criteria set when choosing a book.
In some cases, autobiographies, informative books or films, documentaries are recommended in bibliotherapy. The use of books in bibliotherapy is very effective in solving people's problems, because the person gets to know the other person through his/her story and identifies with him/her and establishes a bond.