Bibliotherapy

Have you ever read a book, a poem or an article and found that it resonated with your experience? Did this have a healing affect, leading to a sense of not being as alone? This is the premise of bibliotherapy - that identifying with a theme or character in a story can be therapeutic, when it leads to meaningful discussion that promotes personal growth.

Any book can have this affect on a person, be it a novel, biography or a self help manual. At The Story Tree, I am in the process of building a range of books that intentionally focus on issues that people struggle with. Sometimes we don't have a language for our feelings, and books can help us put words to these. Any suggestions are welcome!

But the beauty of books is that they are also a source of entertainment, adventure, mystery, drama etc. Reading for pleasure is good for you. A book I read recently called The Bright Side of Disaster by Katherine Center had me laughing out loud. I identified with some of the main character's experience of motherhood, and it left me with a good feeling inside when I finished it.

Let me share an example of how stories I have read have influenced me as a person:

As a young girl, the story of Anne of Green Gables profoundly shaped my idea of what sort of woman I wanted to grow up to be. She was an orphan who rose above her circumstances, was passionate, romantic and strong in her sense of self. She was teased and tested and stayed true to herself, winning people over with her character. I am still inspired by her!