I learned a new word: bibliotherapy.
Bibliotherapy is an expressive therapy that uses an individual’s relationship to the content of books and poetry and other written words as therapy.
Photo by Alejandro Escamilla
I have, apparently, been undergoing bibliotherapy since the age of seven. When my moods go south, I read books to help cheer me up. When I’m feeling up, I know I can read some headier stuff or more depressing literature without falling into a funk.
With almost 30 years of experience in self-diagnosing and delivering my own form of bibliotherapy, I think I have expertise worth sharing! Now I just need to figure out how to turn this into a legitimate business…
In the meantime, obviously, if you need a book suggestion, let me know.
Read more about bibliotherapy: “Can Reading Make You Happier?” in the New York Times.
