Bibliotherapy, reading as a form of self-help therapy

The mental health professionals are still figuring out something that every reader knows instinctively - reading books is a form of personal therapy. Just think of the phrases we use to describe reading: "curling up with a book", "reading to get away from it all", "escape story", "relax with a good book"... These sentiments evoke feelings of comfort, security, tranquility, and being in control of yourself and your surroundings.

The Wall Street Journal July 31, 2007 edition featured and article by Kevin Helliker titled, Bibliotherapy: Reading Your Way To Mental Health. Helliker notes that bibliotherapy is getting some recognition as a useful therapy in some cases. He cites recent articles in the Behavior Research and Therapy Journal that seem to demonstrate the effectiveness of reading in some patients with depression and other mood disorders. He notes that most research suggests the bibliotherapy can be helpful in conjunction with conventional therapy. (Helliker article)

Self-help books have always been popular sellers. Unfortunately being a best seller doesn't guarantee that a book is useful, or that reading the book will assure weight loss and make you wealthy. Some self-help books (and web sites for that matter) are no more than printed snake oil elixirs.

Yet, many people have turned their life around, or found new approaches to life, or at a minimum some solace and self confidence from reading some self-help books. Studies show, and many therapists believe that the right self-help books could be gaining some new found respect as a personal form of therapy in some situations.

For years, bibliotherapy has been used with children. There is a large body of information targeting reading for our young. Now it may be true that it is never too late. Bibliotherapy can be applied to all ages. It's certainly a very good excuse to curl up with a good book...