The Power of Books: The Impact of Healing Writings
The bibliotherapy represents an approach that is based on the therapeutic application of literary works, particularly in psychotherapeutic practice. This method not only serves to facilitate healing but also plays an important role in the prevention of diseases and during rehabilitation. While reading, patients not only entertain themselves but also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in various emotions and thoughts, thus gaining a better understanding of their own feelings.
Literature, as a therapeutic tool, helps patients express themselves and encourages them to share their experiences. During the analysis and discussion of different literary texts, patients can indirectly talk about their own problems without directly reflecting on their own lives. This method can be particularly useful for individuals who find it hard to open up, as it is easier for them to identify with fictional characters and stories.
Moreover, bibliotherapy is popular not only among adults but also among children, as reading the right books can help them understand the world and their own feelings. Literature thus plays a key role in maintaining and improving mental health.
Literature and Healing: The Role of Hospital Groups
Literary groups operating in a hospital environment can be particularly beneficial for those struggling with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or personality disorders. These groups usually consist of 4-8 members, where participants read and discuss various literary works together. Under the guidance of a group leader, patients listen to quotes, short stories, and poems, which they can freely respond to.
During the shared reading and discussions, patients find it easier to open up as they are not talking about their own problems but rather about the lives and feelings of others. This helps to break down their inhibitions, reduces stress, and allows them to feel safe in the environment. With the help of literature, participants can experience emotional connections that enrich the healing process.
In bibliotherapy, works are selected from a wide spectrum of classical and contemporary literature, allowing patients to enjoy writings from authors such as József Attila and Péter Popper. Literature becomes useful not only in a receptive way but also allows patients to actively participate in the creative process: they can express their feelings and thoughts through their own writings.
Self-Expression and Creativity: Writing in Therapy
Bibliotherapy focuses not only on passive reading but also integrates creative writing into the therapeutic process. The poems and short stories written by patients are an important part of the therapy process. The head of the psychotherapeutic department, Dr. János Kocsis, collects these writings, and the best ones are published in separate volumes. Such collections not only provide space for self-expression for patients but also offer inspiration to others.
Writing stories, especially animal tales, is particularly popular in group sessions. The collaboratively created stories are not only entertaining but also help to liberate the participants’ childlike selves. Through writing and drama, patients can express themselves and explore their inner creativity.
These activities not only promote healing but also strengthen the sense of community. Group members support each other, share their experiences, and work together on their personal development. Thus, literature is not just entertainment but an effective tool for maintaining mental health.
Bibliotherapy in the Service of Prevention
Bibliotherapy is not only realized in a clinical environment but also plays an important role as part of prevention, especially for children. Timely chosen, relevant books can be a tremendous resource for young people, helping them find answers to their emerging questions and problems.
The “healing books” offer tools that allow young people to face challenges and overcome difficulties. During bibliotherapy group sessions organized in schools, kindergartens, and libraries, not only literary works are read but also writings that assist children in managing anxiety, social interactions, and emotional difficulties.
These sessions provide children with the opportunity to express their feelings, talk about their fears, and collaboratively find solutions to their problems. Therefore, literature plays a key role in the emotional and social development of children, contributing to the mental health of future generations.
