European University of Lefke (EUL) Faculty of Health Sciences Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department Lecturer Assist. Prof. Dr. Aydın Meriç gave information about Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Books.

“Reading is one of the best ways people can improve their minds. Throughout history, books have informed, entertained and protected us. In some cases, they also gave us hope, shelter, and comfort. Bibliotherapy (Book Therapy); Meriç stated that it is important to benefit from the power of books in order to make therapy with the book both physically and mentally beneficial. He stated that it is important to benefit from the power of the books in order to make therapy with the book both physically and mentally beneficial.

Meriç explains that the therapy with the book is self-knowledge, self-discovery and self-acceptance, developing a more positive self-perception, feeling that others are also experiencing problems similar to their own problems, feeling that they are not alone, gaining awareness about themselves and others, gaining insight about their problems, and that there are different ways to solve a problem. seeing, discussing problems and finding solutions, getting to know the environment, society and the world, developing new values and attitudes, finding meaning in life, choosing role models, dealing with stress, expressing and purifying emotions, empathizing with others and looking at events through the eyes of the “other”, He stated that it can be used for the purposes of easing stereotypes, adapting to different and new situations, and overcoming adaptation difficulties.

Stating that “Another prerequisite for the successful functioning of the book therapy process is the selection of the appropriate book and the book should be selected according to the desired goal”, Meriç listed some criteria that should be taken into consideration in the selection of the book as follows;Seçilen kitap kişinin/grubun gelişim düzeyine

• Reading level
• It should be appropriate to the level of interest
• The nature and literary value of the book should be considered
• The book should be fit for the purpose.

Stating that the therapy process with the book actually starts with “bringing the person with the right book at the right time” and in other words, the therapy process begins when the person starts to read the selected book, Meriç said, “There is no doubt that reading helps us to improve our emotional health. Reading has many benefits, whether we are aware of it or not. “Its positive effects have been demonstrated in people with emotional issues, mild or moderate mental disorders, and even physical problems.”

“He’s someone who reads a lot.” Usually we use this phrase to refer to intellectual people. Reading sometimes gives us this intelligence. However, in addition to expanding knowledge, reading also provides many therapeutic benefits, ”Meriç said, adding that book therapy provides feedback in an entertaining, informative and enriching way.

Meriç continues, “It encourages us to change, and we can find answers to what we have doubts. Which of us wouldn’t go to a different world when we “bury” our heads in a book? When we immerse ourselves in stories, we forget about our worries and problems and focus entirely on what is told. We get rid of our fears and worries by getting away from our reality for a few minutes. “This helps us improve our mood and all this happens unconsciously,” he said.

Stating that reading has been proven to reduce stress levels and increase psychosocial development, Meriç said, “The ability to put yourself in the shoes of others and to understand their feelings is definitely a social phenomenon. However, you don’t need to be around you to empathize. “Thanks to bibliotherapy (book therapy), words become simulations of reality,” he said.

Meriç finally said, “The healing power of books is important. “Although the results are not immediate, reading benefits your body and mind in the long run,” he concluded.