Any bookworm will tell you that a great book can change your life, but can the right book help with anxiety, depression or trauma? Some psychologists say yes.
Healing through reading isn't a new idea — according to Psychology Today, the ancient Greeks and Egyptians believed that libraries were sacred places that could restore the soul. But modern bibliotherapy usually combines literature with discussion to help patients process traumatic experiences, learn more about their symptoms, and experience hope and joy.
Bibliotherapy is generally used alongside more conventional therapy approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy to help patients experiencing mood disorders, trauma, addiction, grief, or relationships challenges like divorce. Therapists tailor their recommendations to suit the unique needs and preferences of each patient — for example, they may assign a novel about a person who survives a trauma or a nonfiction book about coping with loss.
But can books replace therapy entirely? Probably not, according to the BBC. Several experts noted that there's little evidence to support bibliotherapy as a primary method to treat specific mental health conditions. And for some patients, bibliotherapy simply isn't an appropriate or effective treatment.
Can books heal? It's debatable. But for many of us, they can at least help.
