For centuries people have turned to literature for comfort — now some therapists prescribe reading lists to help clients struggling with depression and anxiety
Literature has been an emotional refuge for many people throughout the ages, offering comfort and guidance in times of emotional difficulty. Whether novels, poems, or memoirs, books serve as a form of escape from the challenges of everyday life. The practice of bibliotherapy is based precisely on this therapeutic power, using reading to promote well-being and improve mental health.
Bibliotherapy, as the name suggests, is a type of therapy that uses literature as its main tool. However, although books have helped readers deal with personal difficulties since time immemorial, the term “bibliotherapy” first appeared in 1916 in a publication in The Atlantic Monthly. In this context, the technique is to guide readers to help them process difficult feelings and emotions.
Bibliotherapy: how does it work?
Practicing bibliotherapy often involves interacting with a bibliotherapist, a trained professional who works as a literary guide. Therefore, during the sessions, the client’s personal difficulties and the goals he wishes to achieve through reading are discussed. Subsequently, a “book prescription” is carried out, a personalized list of readings designed to help understand and process the reported problems.
The bibliotherapist tries to recommend books that can act as a mirror to the reader’s feelings, providing new perspectives and intuitions. Therefore, this practice not only helps to relieve emotional burdens, but also to find meaning and clarity in complex situations.
What is the role of the bibliotherapist?
The bibliotherapist plays a fundamental role, similar to the “book doctor”, as many describe him. Use in-depth literary knowledge to recommend works that best suit the circumstances the client is facing. In many cases, patients respond to a questionnaire. This way it is possible to understand the client’s literary preferences, helping the therapist to tailor his recommendations more precisely.
Professionals like it Ella Berthoud AND Emily Rumble, in a newspaper interview The New York Times advocate for the importance of the bibliotherapist’s role in guiding readers to find comfort and inspiration in stories. Bibliotherapy allows each session to be intuitive and collaborative, where book choices can range from fiction, which energizes the subconscious, to nonfiction, which often serves to offer direct guidance.
In short, literature is not only a means of entertainment, but also a powerful tool for personal transformation. Through stories, readers have the opportunity to see the world from different perspectives and often find resonance with their own life experiences. Lucia Pearsonrenowned bibliotherapist, emphasizes that reading can be a means of personal connection, helping people find the right answers between the pages of a book.
Source: Terra

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.