Bibliotherapy

I want to read about me!

Have you ever had a book find you at the precise moment you needed its message?

I’m talking about those books that push you toward growth while also holding space for you when you’re struggling. There is something transformative about reading a story and seeing your own hidden thoughts reflected back at you.

The Bibliotherapy initiative at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) helps you find exactly those books. The Bibliotherapy collection is located in the Wellbeing Areas of our libraries.

What is Bibliotherapy?

Bibliotherapy is the use of reading and writing to support wellbeing, encourage self-development, and provide psychological support. Research suggests it can be an effective approach for managing a range of common emotional challenges.

Why Bibliotherapy?

When you're 'reading for a degree', books can become associated with deadlines, assignments, and pressure. Bibliotherapy offers something different.

It creates space to reflect, process emotions, and reconnect with yourself. Evidence shows that reading and writing in this way can be a valuable and accessible form of psychological support.

Get involved

This collaborative project is jointly led and looked after by Debbie Burns (LJMU Counsellor) and Anne-Marie Smith (School of Education), with support from Library Services and the Students’ Union. Together, we have created a bibliotherapy initiative offering curated therapeutic reading recommendations for both staff and students.

Beyond our booklist, we offer two dedicated groups to help you process and connect:

  • Reading for Wellbeing
  • Writing for Wellbeing

Debbie leads on the Bibliotherapy Book Collection and the Reading for Wellbeing groups, while Anne-Marie leads the Writing for Wellbeing groups.

These groups run throughout the year and can be booked via saw.ljmu.ac.uk.

Contact us

If you’d like to find out more or get involved, please email: