Bibliotherapy sessions for your wellbeing

Reading and Writing for Wellbeing events this semester

As part of Feel Fab Feb and throughout the year, Student Advice and Wellbeing, in partnership with the School of Education and LJMU Libraries, will be hosting Bibliotherapy events with Reading for Wellbeing and Writing for Wellbeing sessions.

Third year journalism student Ryan Everett spoke to LJMU Counsellor Debbie Burns and School of Education Lecturer Anne-Marie Smith to find out what Bibliotherapy is, the wider wellbeing services on offer at LJMU and what events are coming up over Feel Fab Feb and the rest of the year.

What is Bibliotherapy?

Bibliotherapy uses reading and writing for wellbeing to explore emotions and thoughts. The Student Advice and Wellbeing team has teamed up with LJMU Libraries to offer a reading list to explore wellbeing, as well as a calendar of sessions throughout the year to explore different emotions when it comes to wellbeing.

In Reading for Wellbeing sessions, the group explores some of these books and their themes, often with the author present.

In Writing for Wellbeing sessions, attendees explore putting their thoughts on to a page using different prompts and themes such as self-care and emergence.

From attending the sessions it’s hoped that students and staff can explore different themes and use journaling and other methods to develop resilience and greater self-awareness.

When are the next Bibliotherapy sessions?

Reading for Wellbeing: ‘Oh No! Not the Menopause’ with Rachel King

Wednesday 15 February, 2-3pm, Student Life Building 211

Open to staff and students

Writing for Wellbeing, Putting yourself on the page: Self Care

Wednesday 22 February, 2-3pm , Aldham Robarts Library, Leisure Reading and Bibliotherapy space

Open to staff and students

Reading for Wellbeing: ‘The little book of resilience’

Wednesday 8 March, 11am- 12pm, Student Life Building 201

Open to students only

How can you find register for Bibliotherapy events or get mental health/wellbeing support?

You can register for Bibliotherapy events here. They are are open to students and staff.

You can also find the Bibliotherapy reading list here.

Students can find out about the support on offer from the Student Advice and Wellbeing team or book a 1-2-1 appointment on the student support pages.

As part of Feel Fab February, LJMU and JMSU has a month full of free activities to support students and staff’s wellbeing. Find out more and register for Feel Fab Feb events here.

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