The practice of using selected readings of books and literature to help treat emotional, psychological, behavioral, or social problems.
From biblio- (book) + therapy (healing treatment). The term was coined in the early 20th century as psychologists and librarians collaborated on healing through literature.
Bibliotherapy works because stories let us practice emotions safely—you can experience heartbreak, fear, loss, or triumph through fictional characters before facing them in real life, which builds psychological resilience.
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