Bibliotherapy: how books heal our soul

Books — a source of joy and inspiration. It is they who save when it seems that there is no way out of a difficult situation, and the world is unfriendly. Plunging into the universes created by the imagination of talented authors, you begin to live with the problems and pain of literary heroes, you empathize and suddenly realize that there are no unsolvable problems. Reading allows you to know yourself more deeply and understand the feelings of others. This property is used by bibliotherapy — a special method for correcting the psycho-emotional state.

• Library therapy: what what is the healing effect of the Word
• How to practice healing reading
• Highlights on using the healing reading technique

Library therapy: what what is the healing effect of the Word

European psychotherapists, observing the behavior of their patients, came to the conclusion that more than 60% of people in the process of correcting their psycho-emotional state begin to read. There are many among them who have never been fond of books. Reading helped people regain their peace of mind without antidepressants. Living the lives of literary heroes, patients got rid of neurosis and depression. Thus was born a new method of treating psychological disorders — bibliotherapy.

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The idea of ​​healing by reading is not new. The healing effect of books was mentioned by all the great writers and philosophers. The method was widely used even in Ancient Greece, where doctors advised reading heroic sagas to get rid of the blues. Eastern sages believed that the Koran returns spiritual strength and helps to live righteously. And the French philosopher J.-J. Rousseau argued that aristocrats should dispel boredom and blues by reading.

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Although the therapy itself has a long tradition, for the first time it "officially" recognized as a healing technique only in 1916, when the writer N.A. Rubakin introduced the terms "bibliopsychology", "bibliotherapy" and & nbsp; founded his own school, which combined psychology and & nbsp; literary criticism. The scientist studied the influence of books on the psyche of people and created a methodological basis for therapeutic reading.

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How to practice the healing reading technique

The influence of books on  the minds of readers is largely determined by the problems that concern them at the current moment, so psychologists recommend different types of literature:

• Publicism, criticism. Works help the reader to understand the degree of relevance of his problems, to look at them from the point of view of other people, to critically evaluate them. This reading relieves dependence on the opinions of others. Excellent examples of such literature — works by Yu. Nagibin, V. Soloukhin, V. Rozov.

• Humor and satire. A great option for people who need to find the positive sides in the negative phenomena. Works improve mood, tone up. They can be recommended to those who find themselves in an unpleasant situation and because of fears cannot make a decision.

• Collections of aphorisms. The clarity and definiteness of aphorisms help to understand that difficult life situations happen to everyone. Cataclysms and contradictions can be treated calmly. Good read for resilience.

• Folklore. Fairy tale therapy is especially popular. It is suitable not only for children, but also for adults. Perfectly emphasizes the connection and continuity of generations, helps to understand other people, relieves the feeling of own inferiority.

• Fantastic. Ideal for creative people. Science fiction broadens horizons, enriches with new ideas. The reader better understands and accepts his feelings, inclinations, realizes the true motives of actions.

• Detective and adventure works.The main advantages of these books — fascinating plots, popularity, accessibility for understanding. They sharpen the intuition.

• Dramaturgy. The works are designed to be staged, therefore they stimulate the imagination well, have a strong emotional impact, and help to establish communication with other people.

• Scientific literature. Serious scientific work activates natural mental processes, contributes to the development of critical thinking. As a healing reading, you can use books on psychiatry and psychology.

• Pedagogical work. This is scientific literature that well stimulates the processes of self-knowledge, self-education, increases self-control.

• Philosophical works. Useful reading for people who are busy searching for the meaning of their activity, life. Helps to find constructive solutions to problems, gives a sense of harmony.

The reader is a co-author of each work that lives internally. In many ways, the effectiveness of bibliotherapy depends on the individual characteristics of a person, his reactions, but there are always results. Main — choose the right literature for the healing of the soul, read thoughtfully and with pleasure.

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Highlights on using the healing reading technique

Books have successfully replaced psychotherapy sessions. If you are tormented by fears, insecurities, grief of loss or doubts, read:

• Criticism — to get rid of dependence on the opinions of others.

• Humor — to improve mood and positive thinking.

• Folklore & Aphorisms — to increase stress resistance, self-confidence.

• Sci-Fi & detectives — to expand horizons, creative thinking.

• Dramaturgy — to live strong emotions.

• Scientific and philosophical literature — to find constructive solutions.

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At difficult times, any reading can be healing. Read good books, enjoy and absorb the experience of literary characters to improve the quality of your own life.

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