Using Bibliotherapy with a Narrative Approach Tracie Lovatt, Karen Manzer, Amanda Mitchell There have been societies

that did not use the wheel, but there have been no societies which did not tell stories Ursula Le Guin What is Narrative Therapy? Narrative Therapy was founded by Michael White and David Epston in the 1970s and 1980s It comes from a respectful, non-blaming attitude that views people as the expert on their own life Narrative Therapy views problems as separate from the person (known as externalizing) and understands that people have many strengths, skills, and beliefs that can help them change their relationship with a problem Narrative therapists must be curious in asking questions and allow the client to come to their own conclusions Seeks to replace negative stories a person thinks about oneself with a new perspective

www.dulwichcentre.com/au What is Bibliotherapy? The word bibliotherapy comes from the Greek words biblio which means book, and therapeia which means healing. This speaks to the incredible power that stories can have in helping us heal, or reframe, our wounds. Coined by Samuel Crothers in 1916 (Malchiodi, 2008; Lincoln, 2004) Stories can enhance the counselling experience by helping us feel connected with others and by giving us new perspectives on a problem (Malchiodi, 2008) Stories remind us that others have been in similar situations that we are in and have felt similar emotions. Using bibliotherapy can help clients to express their fears, worries, and questions as well as find comfort and meaning for their emotions. There are two types of bibliotherapy: Reactive and Interactive. Reactive bibliotherapy has the client read specific stories or books with characters that they will identify with and helps them to gain more insight into their own situation. Interactive bibliotherapy has the client and therapist discuss the story and the therapist helps the client to integrate the story into his or her own life. Bibliotherapy can be used with clients of all ages, including children, adolescents, and adults

Why Use Bibliotherapy in a Narrative Setting? Using stories with a narrative perspective helps clients re-frame or re-story their lives. It gives them power and helps them to see themselves in a new light (Malchiodi, 2008) Stories help illuminate collective experiences which can help empower us to re-story our own lives Stories help us find distance from problems and see them in a new light much like how a narrative therapist may help a client reframe an experience. The primary focus of narrative therapy is a persons expressions of their experiences. How adults and children express their own story show insight into how they give meaning to their experiences. Simply put, how a person tells his or her story shows how they see their experience. If a person focuses on the effects of something that happened, a narrative therapist may help them re-tell their story in a different light that looks at how they responded to the situation. (Lincoln, 2004)

Goal of Bibliotherapy in a Narrative Setting: Improve ones capacity to respond to situations Have a better understanding of self Clarify roles played in relationships Expand ones view of a situation (Lincoln, 2004)

How Does One Reach These Goals? Identify with a character Recognize unacknowledged feelings and behaviours Experience catharsis when reading Integrate the lessons learned into ones own life

(Gregory & Vessey, 2004; Lincoln, 2004) Tips When Using Bibliotherapy in a Narrative Setting: o Preview all books/stories weed out anything that would not be appropriate o Consider the relevance of the story or book to the individuals situation Although the books do not have to reference the situation specifically, they should evoke the same emotions. Some people find it easier to work with metaphors to help distance themselves from the problem they are experiencing

o Introduce why the book is relevant Although the therapist does not need to address the specific situation, he or she should explain why this story was chosen. o Consider developmental needs (if using bibliotherapy with children) The client should be able to understand the story (although childrens books can be used with older clients). o Engage in the imagination and senses Choose stories that elicit creativity and provide imagery. Make sure the stories are interesting to the client. o Choose books that provide comfort and reassurance If working with children who have experienced a trauma, choose stories that are gentle and will not hyperarouse them. Bibliotherapy should evoke a feeling of hope, not despair. Dont be afraid to mix it up with lighter stories and heavier stories. Malchiodi, 2008 Client Type and Presenting Concern Suggested Resouces: How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss The Giving Tree by Shel Silvestein My Secret Bully