Librarians, educators, psychologists, and doctors discuss the theories, dynamics, and applications of bibliotherapy in addition to analyzing specific bibliotherapy for the chronically ill, narcotic addicts, problem children, and others.

The recognition that literature can be a healing tool is as old as Aristotle's discussion of catharsis. In bibliotherapy an individual reads or listens to a work of literature specifically for its therapeutic value. But until now a real professional tool was lacking. This handbook, the first of its kind, is designed to teach both professionals and laypersons how to use the whole spectrum of literature—from poetry to science fiction—to promote greater self-knowledge, to renew the spirit, and, in general, to aid in the healing process. Beginning with an explanation of the theoretical basis for bibliotherapy, the authors then provide a comprehensive overview of the procedures and goals of the discipline. The material is presented in such a way that the process may be adapted to the particular educational or psychological approach favored by the practitioner for the therapeutic treatment of individuals who have been abused or are chemically dependent, physically disabled, emotionally disturbed, hospitalized, in correctional institutions, or simply facing difficult or stressful life situations. The authors also offer insights for using bibliotherapy to promote the healthy growth and development of children and to provide psychological help and guidance to adults and the aging. Case studies from practice and training experiences illustrate the principles of bibliotherapy; in addition, the authors include end-of-chapter study questions for persons involved in therapy and self-help and practicum guides for professionals. Taken together, these materials comprise a unique and invaluable reference work in a new and significant field.

First Published in 1993 Bibliotherapy provides literature for mental health professionals which can be used with a clinical approach in helping children with problems. For those not familiar with bibliotherapy, it provides an extensive introduction to the field including reviews of its effectiveness, value and limitations, as well as examples of practical application. Chapters include an overview of bibliotherapy, clinical application, changing role models, blended family, separation and divorce, child abuse, foster care, adoption, and childhood fears. Over 350 children’s books are listed, each briefly annotated, from which the clinician can select suitable material for therapeutic intervention. This book is an essential read for scholars, researchers, and practitioners of clinical psychology, psychology in general.

This comprehensive sourcebook covers every aspect of school service delivery, arming practitioners with the nuts and bolts of evidence-based practice. Each of the 114 chapters serves as a detailed intervention map, beginning with a summary of the problem area and moving directly into step-by-step instructions on how to implement an evidence-based program with distinct goals in mind and methods to measure the outcome. School-based professionals in need of ready access to information on mental health disorders, developmental disabilities, health promotion, child abuse, dropout prevention, conflict resolution, crisis intervention, group work, family interventions, culturally competent practice, policy, ethics, legal issues, community involvement, accountability, and funding can now find high-quality and easy-to-implement strategies at their fintertips. A concise, user-friendly format orients readers to each issue with a Getting Started section, then moves smoothly into What We Know, What We Can Do, Tools and Practice Examples, and Points to Remember. Quick-reference tables and charts highlight the most important information needed for daily reference, and lists of further reading and Web resources guide readers in gathering additional information to tailor their practice to suit their students' needs. Each chapter has been specifically crafted by leaders in their fields with the ultimate goal of giving school-based practitioners the tools they need to deliver the best mental health and social services possible to students, families, and communities. This is a must-have reference for all school-based social workers, psychologists, counselors, mental health professionals, and educators.

"A guide for school-based professionals"--cover.

Rich with case material and artwork samples, this volume demonstrates a range of creative approaches for facilitating children's emotional reparation and recovery from trauma. Contributors include experienced practitioners of play, art, music, movement and drama therapies, bibliotherapy, and integrative therapies, who describe step-by-step strategies for working with individual children, families, and groups. The case-based format makes the book especially practical and user-friendly. Specific types of stressful experiences addressed include parental loss, child abuse, accidents, family violence, bullying, and mass trauma. Broader approaches to promoting resilience and preventing posttraumatic problems in children at risk are also presented.