Bibliotherapy for Hospital Patients

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of bibliotherapy in relation to hospital patients. It includes a brief history as well as discussion of practitioners, patients and problems, methodology and effectiveness. It also offers recommendations for those who provide bibliotherapy within the hospital context. The focus is on the use of bibliotherapy by professionals other than mental health practitioners. Coverage includes common literary genres that can be used for bibliotherapy addressing patients’ affective issues.