Description of the Strategy

The term bibliotherapy refers to reading written material to pursue valued goals. It has been used to pursue a wide range of goals, including educating clients, decreasing anxiety and depression, enhancing social contacts, and developing study skills. There are different kinds of bibliotherapy. One concerns self-help materials designed to guide the client through assessment and/or intervention in relation to hopedfor outcomes, such as decreasing anxiety or increasing effective study behaviors. Another kind requests clients to read fictional materials or poetry to attain certain outcomes. Yet another encourages readers to read spiritual literature. Many different formats are used, and Internet-based material is likely to increase in use. Surveys of counselors in a variety of professions indicate that they often assign ...