The Healing Work of Reading: How Literature Holds Us Before We Write

The Healing Work of Reading: How Literature Holds Us Before We Write 

This workshop honors writing as a practice of care. Participants are not asked to heal on demand, but to engage honestly, gently, and at their own pace. Writing is treated as a companion, not a cure. 

Reading gives us language for what we feel. Writing gives us permission to speak it. 

• Reading as orientation, not escape

In bibliotherapy, reading is how participants realize: I am not alone in this experience. Stories give language to unnamed feelings, offer mirrors and windows, and create emotional safety. 

• Writing as integration and repair Writing is where experience is metabolized. It is sense-making: placing pain, memory, joy, or confusion into narrative form so it can be held, shaped, and eventually released. 

This is classic bibliotherapy logic: • Read → recognize • Write → integrate • Share (optional) → witness and be witnessed 

Key idea: Healing is not erasure of pain, but a relationship with it. We read to understand the world that shaped us. We write to understand what it did to us and what we will carry forward. 

Reading for Healing: When Literature Holds Us 

Silent reading of chosen text: poetry, short essay, flash fiction, song lyrics 

Prompts: 

• What line stayed with you? 

• What feeling did the text name or stir? 

• What did the text allow you to feel safely? 

Key idea: Reading gives us words before we have the courage to use our own. 

Writing as Listening: An Open Door to Understand the Self Write without explaining. 

Write without correcting. Write to hear yourself. 

Guided writing prompts: 

• What part of yourself felt seen by what you read?

• What are you carrying that has been waiting for language? 

Key idea: We write here not to make meaning yet, but to hear what meaning is forming. 

Closing and Integration 

Choose one line from what you wrote that you want to carry forward. 

Reflection prompt: Pick a question to answer 

• What did writing reveal today? 

• What did reading help you discover? 

• What might you continue listening to after this workshop?

Reminder: 

• Healing writing is cyclical like the season. It does not travel in a straight line. 

 • We return to reading when words fail. 

• We return to writing when silence becomes heavy. 

Prepared by: Zarach C. Gagatiga, RL 

http://lovealibararian.blogspot.com 

On IG: @zarahgeeh | @the.readingarmy |@silver_linings_t.zee 

Readings: 

What the living do: https://wordsfortheyear.com/2016/05/09/what-the-living-do-by-marie-howe/?utm_source= 

Keeping a Notebook: https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Joan-Didion-On-Keeping-a-Notebook.pdf https://www.yourdailypoem.com/listpoem.jsp?poem_id=2386

Pied Beauty:  https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44399/pied-beauty

Reading for Resilience: Bibliotherapy in the Age of AI

 

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Workshop Title: Empowering Growth and Healing Through Bibliotherapy

Workshop Title: Empowering Growth and Healing Through Bibliotherapy

Duration: 3 hours  Audience: Teachers and Librarians  

Prepared by Zarah C. Gagatiga, RL

Program Schedule

A. Introduction to Bibliotherapy (30 minutes)  

Objective: Understand the concept, history, and importance of bibliotherapy.  

Activities:

  1. Welcome and Icebreaker Activity (10 minutes): "What’s Your Favorite Story?" Participants briefly share a story or book that has impacted them emotionally.  

  2. Presentation (20 minutes): Cover the history, definitions, and three types of bibliotherapy (Developmental, Clinical, Institutional) with real-life examples.  

B. Frameworks and Processes of Bibliotherapy (40 minutes)  

Objective: Learn the structured process and frameworks for bibliotherapy.  

Activities: 

  1. Discussion (15 minutes): 

     - Introduce the Identification, Catharsis, and Insight process.  

     - Highlight the 3-2-1 Framework (Sanacore) and its application for group or individual settings.  

  2. Hands-On Group Work (25 minutes):  

     - Divide participants into small groups.  

     - Each group analyzes a provided story using the bibliotherapy framework and identifies potential questions or activities they could develop.  

C. Practical Applications of Bibliotherapy (60 minutes)  

Objective: Explore and design bibliotherapy sessions for their own contexts.  

Activities:

  1. Case Study Presentation (15 minutes): Present a successful bibliotherapy session 

  2. Workshop Activity (45 minutes):  

     - Groups create a sample bibliotherapy session tailored to their context (e.g., helping children deal with pressure to do well in an exam, fostering empathy).  

     - Include pre-reading, during-reading, and post-reading activities with an emphasis on storytelling and reflective practices (art, writing, movement).  

D. Reflection and Sharing (30 minutes)  

Objective: Consolidate learning and inspire collaboration.  

Activities:

  1. Group Presentations (20 minutes): Groups present their session plans to the audience.  

  2. Open Forum and Q&A (10 minutes): Participants ask questions and share insights on how to integrate bibliotherapy into their work.  

E. Closing and Call to Action (20 minutes)  

Objective: Empower participants to apply bibliotherapy.  

Activities:

  1. Debriefing Activity: Participants write one insight and one action plan on a card to share with the group.  

  2. Distribution of Resources: Provide a curated list of books and activities, including tools from your Bibliotherapy Guide.  

Materials Needed 

1. Presentation slides with the guide’s key concepts and frameworks.  

2. Copies of sample stories and activity templates.  

3. Art supplies for post-reading activities.  

4. Screen and projector; Feedback forms for evaluation (Can SPCP provide this?)

Designed and prepared by Zarah C. Gagatiga, RL

Email: zarah.gagatiga@gmail.com

Mobile number: 09209672884

Blog: https://lovealibrarian.blogspot.com/

Socials: @zarahgeeh on IG | @https://www.facebook.com/authorZarahG815 on FB

Stories for Growth and Healing: The Kite of Stars and The Hobbit and Philosophy

Over the holidays, I revisited a story and two books that continue to leave an impression on me: The Kite of Stars by Dean Alfar, The Hobbit and Philosophy, and Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha. Each offered its own blend of magic, reflection, and wisdom, aligning with my personal journeys the past year. These books reminded me of literature’s transformative power and the unique ways stories heal connecting us to ourselves and the world.

Dean Alfar’s The Kite of Stars remains an enchanting tale, brimming with poetic language that defies convention yet feels intuitively right. I revisited it in preparation for a literature lesson, drawn once again to its magical phrasing and layered meanings. The story’s portrayal of love as both a fulfillment of time and presence struck me deeply. The nameless butcher’s boy, who sacrifices his life’s essence for a dream that isn’t his own, embodies devotion in its most profound form.

Sigh. Maria Isabella, that bratinella, does not deserve the butcher's boy. And to this day, I fear that one of my children loves the way the butcher's boy loves. Ah, there! The Kite of Stars' magic lies not only in its fantastical world but in the truths it reveals about the human heart.

In The Hobbit and Philosophy: For When You Lose Your Dwarves, Your Wisdom and Your Way (edited Bassam, et al) invites a more introspective journey, delving into the wisdom behind Tolkien’s beloved characters and themes. I focused on my favorite chapters, which explore how walking connects us to the earth and our thoughts, the power of language in shaping meaning, and the essential role of play. These insights gave new depth to the familiar phrase “choose your battles,” reminding me of the justice and the necessity behind struggles worth undertaking.

This semester, our grade 8 English teacher will take on The Hobbit in class. I will request for a sit-in since he read this book in earnest. What a delight to share our own passions and geekiness to our students who, born in this generation of Zs and Alphas, may not respond the way we gen Xers do. Then again, this is the challenge of reading and teaching literacy where in we derive much joy.

For Siddhartha, my review can be read here.

Poetry After Pepito

The storm has passed

The morning sky is clear

No red sunrise

but only the moon

A vestige of its full glory

Bibliotherapy: The Healing Magic of Stories on YT

Finally! 

I have uploaded my talk on Developmental Bibliotherapy on my YouTube channel. This lecture was improved, revised and  recorded during the pandemic. 

I hope you find this helpful, teachers, parents and librarians!

My Bangtan Inspired Reading List

Here is my reading list for 2023!

Most of the titles from this list came from @JooniesLibrary on Twitter. It is a fan account dedicated to Kim Namjoon especially on the books he has read and seen reading (even books on his shelf) on Lives and socmed posts. Two books from this list are titles I want to reread this year. One I have not finished reading. There are two titles I am not sure I can find online but, I dare. 

Picking different genres of books to read from Kim Namjoon's list and that of his brothers, I do hope this expands my understanding of the known world. My goal this year is to be kinder, so, I will continue to read.

BTS_ReadingList_2023_v2 by zarah gagatiga

Boredom Busters: Bibliotherapy and Beyond!

Some outtakes from my Bibliotherapy Talk and Workshop with Love Education PH and Reading Buddies Baguio.

Can bibliotherapy help address or serve as a guide in discussing difficult topics to the readers?

Yes. There are research and studies that prove this assumption and answer your question. One study was done by college students who tested the benefits of Bibliotherapy in raising the confidence of abandoned children. It works.

How would you select books which are appropriate in tackling those kind of topics?

Selection of books would come from a knowledge of students and their issues, as well as the existing literature about their issues written for them. Rules number 2 and 3 yan ni Ranganathan every reader his/her book. every book its reader it's been an indisputable law of Library Science.

It is therefore our role to do Developmental Bibliotherapy.

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Finding You Through Music and Bibliotherapy

 

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Books for Bibliotherapy: The Wild Robot, Women Who Run with Wolves & Into the Magic Shop

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PPT Deck: Bibliotherapy Activity for Awake (Kim Seokjin, BTS Wings, 2017)

PPT Deck: Building Resilience Through Bibliotherapy

 

The Lamp Post: My Bibliotherapy Journey from 2020 to Present

 This is a page for everything Bibliotherapy. My passion project! A project that makes my heart sing! My mind is alive and a-buzz with ideas! My spirit is soaring!

 Bibliotherapy Service in the School Library - reosurces, interviews and presentation slides from workshops from 2011 to early 2018

Art and Bibliotherapy Service Online: Kora Dandan Albano's Aral-Aralan - The painting, Aral-aralan by Kora Dandan Albano became the centerpiece of the art and bibliotherapy service.

Storytelling for Hope and Healing at the Learning Revolution Summit 2020 - In times of challenges, changes and conflict, we can turn to stories and poems for solace, comfort and consolation. Selection of the appropriate literature is key. 

Paghilom at Pag-asa sa Panahon ng Pandemya: Priming Activity, Miyawing Kuting, Follow Through Activities and Q and A

Persentation Decks

Bibliotherapy: Experiencing the Healing Magic of Stories - from a talk and workshop delivered and conducted at the UP Diliman, Department of Education.

Let's POP it! A Piece of Peace - The songs of Jhope and RM as vehicles for poetry writing in one's journey towards inner peace.

Creative Therapies 101: The Bibliotherapy Process - a poster of the process of bibliotherapy

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FREE Guide and Module on Bibliotherapy by Zarah Gagatiga 😍

Guide and Module 1 - Introduction and History: Bibliotherapy Through the Years

Guide and Module 2 - Reading Advisory, Reading Guidance and Bibliotherapy in the School Library

Guide and Module 2 Part 2 - Bibliotherapy Sampler and Toolkit

Guide and Module 3 - Bibliotherapy Assessment, Evaluation and Debriefing

Bibliotherapy Sampler: Beybi Bibe

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Insights and Perspective Taking

Reflections on Bibliotehrapy Talk at UP Dilliman, Experiencing the Magic of Stories - an inspiring session which inspired me to continue on with this passion proejct.

Being a Reading Companion and Designing a Bibliotherapy Program - reflections on webinars conducted and interviews/consultations in designing a bibliotehrapy program

Dear Ms. Zarah: When you feel lost, read a book! - sometimes, I give advice.

When Taal Volcano Erupted: Mini-Workshop on Bibliotherapy for Volunteers - Part 1 is all about gratitude and feedback from participants.

More Feedback and Messages of Thanks: Mini-Workshop on Bibliotherapy for Volunteers 

Audrey Anday, participant in many of my Bibliotehrapy Workshops share her volunteer experience with children at the evaciation center in Quezon Province.

Bibliotherapy, BTS and An Afternoon with Librarians of Brent International School Manila - Last month, the library staff of Brent International School Manila and I had an afternoon of sharing life stories. Using the FGE once more, I had an afternoon of reflection and introspection on life during the pandemic with friends and colleagues. 

Creative Therapies 101: SPUM EDGE Bibliotherapy - Here are five things I learned from the Creative Therapies 101 Bibliotherapy:

Bibliotherapy Goes Online During the Pandemic of 2020

Desining an Online Bibliotherapy Program During the Pandemic - I received an email from a grade 12 student who is working on a capstone project on Bibliotherapy. Below is my reply to the senior high school student and on the inquiry on designing an independent Bibliotherapy course for adults.

Activity for Online Bibliotherapy: Heart Mapping - learning a lot from Georgia Heard during the pandemic

Collages and Journalling as gateways to self expression, catharsis and taking inisght

An Onlilne Bibliotherapy Session: Rain Before Rainbows

Poetry and Bibliothearpy: Love, Taking Action and Following Through Activities

Online Reading Room of Bibliotherapy Resources: The Room of Rhyme and Reason

Online Bibliotherapy: My Daddy! My One and Only! - Something you can use for storytelling with a framework on bibliotherapy

Online Bibliotherapy: For Middle Grades Hope, Where Are You (Doucet and GoRu, 2020)

Finding Grace in Everyday: A Webinar on Companionship with CLP Teachers

Unboxing the Gifts of Gratitude

Magis Deo Youth: Unboxing the Gifts of Gratitude

 

Let's begin the healing process. Send me a PM if you are interested or if you have questions.

Inviting all Magis Deo teens and friends to Unboxing the Gifts of Gratitude where we will reflect on gratitude and its many gifts in our life through songs, music, videos poems and stories on Sunday, May 15, 2022 at 2:00 to 3:30 pm via Zoom with Tita Zarah Gagatiga.

Please register via

https://tinyurl.com/MDYTeensReg or scan the QR code.

2022 Magis Deo Teens Registration Form

Priming Activity #2: Building Resilience Through Bibliotherapy

Here are the questions and concepts I will use as anchors and discussion points.

1. Stories are windows that allow us to lean out to see different realities and world views.

2. Stories are doors that we can open to escape or to bravely journey out of our comfort zone.

3. Stories are mirrors that help us see, perceive and examine ourselves.

 

Think of stories that became your window; your door; and your mirror. What discoveries did you make? What insights did you glean from them?

 

Priming Activity #1: Building Resilience Through Bibliotherapy

Something to think about as we prepare for the BRTB (Building Resilience Through Bibliotherapy) webinar. 

Journaling Journey: Finding Joy

 

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