Bibliotherapy through the eyes of psychotherapist. An attempt to define bibliotherapy as a tool in psychotherapy

Abstract

This article presents basic theoretical and practical assumptions in both individual and group therapy. Following stages of bibliotherapeutic proces (identification, projection, catharsis and insight) may improve psychotherapy, especially in its second stage – overwork resistance, expandind awarness, releasing difficult and painful emotions, and in result – introducing desired changes in patient’s life. Reading of selected literary texts will develop and strenghten patient’s sense of authenticity and individuality, without violating the limits of personal freedom. Bibliotherapy as a therapeutic tool not only may create a deep space to discover oneself, their values, the meaning of life, but also suport and mitigate suffering resulting from therapy.