📚 Biblical Therapy: When Books Become a Cure for the Soul

by Aurora Pistolesi, editor of Giaconi Editore

You've probably heard the saying "a book is a faithful friend." But perhaps you've never considered that a book can also be a medicine. Not in the sense that it replaces an aspirin or a doctor's visit, but in the sense that it can become a true tool for well-being. This is where bibliotherapy libroterapia or bibliotherapy) comes in: a practice that uses reading to help cope with stress, anxiety, difficult times, or simply to regain balance and serenity.

And no, you don't have to be a bookworm to benefit from it. All it takes is the desire to be carried away by a story.

What is bibliotherapy (without the buzzwords)

Bibliotherapy is, simply put, the use of books as a tool for healing and personal growth. It's not a recent invention: as early as the 1930s in the United States, "bibliotherapy" was discussed as a practice used in clinical and hospital settings. Today, it's offered in a variety of ways: guided reading groups, personalized advice from psychologists or bibliotherapists, or simply as a daily habit that anyone can cultivate.

According to an article in Obiettivo Benessere (TGCom24), reading a novel for a few days in a row can activate the brain areas associated with language comprehension and empathy, as demonstrated by a study by Dr. Gregory Berns at Emory University. In other words, reading isn't a passive activity: it's a real brain workout.

Everyday Examples: When a Book Becomes Therapy

• The night before bed: Instead of tossing and turning in bed, thinking about the endless to-do list, open a book. A few pages are enough to slow down your pace and guide your mind toward sleep.
• Lunch break: Had a stressful morning? A short story can be your mental reset, much more effective than a double espresso.
• In times of change: a move, a new job, a separation. During these phases, reading stories of others who have faced similar challenges can help you feel less alone.
• On bad days: when everything seems to be going wrong, a light-hearted or humorous novel can put a smile back on your face. It doesn't solve your problems, but it reminds you that laughter is also therapeutic.

Which books to choose in bibliotherapy

• Coming-of-Age novels: they help us during times of change, when we feel disoriented. Stories like The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger or Normal People by Sally Rooney allow us to identify with the characters and feel less alone in our own transformations.
• Light and humorous fiction: perfect for lightening up a heavy day. An example? The novels of David Sedaris or Sophie Kinsella, who ironically remind us that laughter is already a form of healing.
• Comforting classics: There are books that work like a Linus blanket. Rereading Little Women or The Baron in the Trees can restore a sense of familiarity and stability.
• Popular psychology essays: useful for those who want to better understand themselves. Titles like "The Art of Being Fragile" by Alessandro D'Avenia or Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman offer practical tools and profound reflections.
• Poetry: often underrated, but incredibly powerful. Reading verses by Alda Merini or Rupi Kaur can help give voice to difficult-to-express emotions.

Conclusion

Bibliotherapy isn't a reading competition, nor is it a moral obligation. It's an invitation to rediscover books as tools for well-being. It doesn't matter if you read a novel a month or a poem every now and then: every page can be therapeutic. Bibliotherapy doesn't replace medical or psychological treatment, but it can complement them, enriching your daily life with moments of calm, reflection, and pleasure. Every time you open a book, you're doing something good for yourself: you reduce stress, stimulate your mind, improve your mood, and, above all, you give yourself a moment of genuine pleasure.

So, next time you enter a bookstore, don't just think about "buying a book": think about choosing a travel companion, a silent ally for your well-being.