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bibliotherapy

American  
[bib-lee-oh-ther-uh-pee] / ˌbɪb li oʊˈθɛr ə pi /

noun

Psychiatry.
  1. the use of reading as an ameliorative adjunct to therapy.


Other Word Forms

  • bibliotherapeutic adjective
  • bibliotherapist noun

Etymology

Origin of bibliotherapy

First recorded in 1915–20; biblio- + therapy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Bibliotherapy is its own sub-discipline of therapy.

From Los Angeles Times

For less severe cases, Lewis suggests that parents start what psychologists call bibliotherapy, specifically a book called “Uncle Lightfoot Flip That Switch,” about a boy overcoming his fear of the dark.

From New York Times

Books and workbooks: Bibliotherapy is its own sub-discipline of therapy.

From Los Angeles Times

Research on bibliotherapy — the use of books to treat a mental health problem — provides some grounds for hope.

From Salon

Bibliotherapy may be done individually or as part of a group.

From Salon