Wait…Bibliotherapy Is a Real Thing?
File under: Things I didn’t know existed but now I have opinions.
So apparently there’s a thing called bibliotherapy…and yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like: books as therapy. Actual trained professionals prescribing reading lists like mood medicine.
According to this PopSugar article, bibliotherapists sit down with you, ask about your life, your stressors, your emotional baggage...and then match you with books that might help you process it all.
And I gotta admit: I had no idea this was A Thing™.
Sure, I’ve absolutely used books like therapy. I’ve felt the feels over novels when I didn’t even know what I was grieving. I’ve handed friends books with “You need this more than you need advice” energy. But a whole field devoted to this? With certifications and book prescriptions? That’s new—and honestly, a little iffy.
I Knew About Art Therapy. This…Feels Murkier
Art therapy makes sense to me: you create, you explore, a trained professional helps you connect the dots. There’s a process. A framework.
Bibliotherapy? Feels more like…reading and hoping something hits. And hey, I’m not saying that isn’t valuable. I am saying it feels more like a really insightful book club than something I’d pay out-of-pocket for.
That said, the idea of someone giving you a custom reading list based on your emotional state? Kinda dreamy. Especially if they nail it. Imagine being handed the exact book you needed to cry, to heal, or to process something you thought you were done feeling. That’s powerful.
But also... what are the odds? I mean, unless your situation lines up neatly with a plot or the bibliotherapist is incredibly good at metaphorical matchmaking, it might just miss. And let’s be real,how many books does this person need to have read to build a recommendation roster deep enough to cover the weird, winding mess of human emotion?
To be fair, bibliotherapy isn’t just about handing someone a feel-good novel and hoping for the best. According to Psychology Today, it’s actually been used in clinical settings for years, especially for people dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, or trauma. Therapists might assign fiction, nonfiction, poetry, even journaling prompts as part of a broader treatment plan. So in that context, it’s less “vibe-based book club” and more “guided emotional processing tool.” That definitely makes it feel a little less murky. But honestly, this still feels like a feature of therapy, not something that should stand on its own as an entire profession.
The Takeaway?
Here’s where I land:
📚 Books can be therapy.
💬 I don’t think I’d ever seek out a dedicated bibliotherapist…but I love when therapists recommend books as part of a broader conversation. That feels grounded. Supportive. Personal.
✨ I just wouldn’t go looking for someone specifically certified in bibliotherapy. Give me a good therapist with good taste instead.
But that’s just me. I’m open to hearing more about it.
What do you think? Would you ever see a bibliotherapist? Or are books already your default coping mechanism?
Let’s talk in the comments. And hey, if you’re having a week, slide into my inbox. I’ll prescribe something from your TBR. No co-pay required.
NerdyNerdyBookBook will remain free. But if you enjoyed this post, consider subscribing or pledging a future subscription. It’s a great way to say, “Hey JJ, your writing is worth it” and to keep her stocked with audiobooks and Sprite Zero.
