The Three P’s of Bookmatching

Bibliotherapy is a powerful tool for any and everyone on a healing journey. This modality utilizes literature to aid individuals in their journey towards self-mastery and self-discovery. The practice of bibliotherapy involves carefully matching clients with the right book at the right time that will resonate with their unique needs and challenges. In this blog post, we will discuss “The Three P’s of Bookmatching” – a structured approach I developed to bibliotherapy that encompasses the presenting problem of the client, reading preferences of the client, and strategies to determine the best suited book prescription that will serve their therapeutic needs.

1. Presenting Problem:

Understanding the client’s presenting problem is the first crucial step in bibliotherapy. What brings the client to you, and what symptoms are they reporting? By exploring the client’s challenges and concerns, therapists can gain valuable insights into the issues that need addressing. This initial assessment sets the foundation for the subsequent steps in the bookmatching process.

2. Preferences:

a. Reading Preferences:

Consider the client’s reading habits and preferences. What genres do they enjoy? Reflect on the last book that elicited an emotional response – understanding the nature of this response can provide clues to the client’s emotional landscape. Additionally, inquire about the last book they did not finish and the reasons behind it. This insight can reveal potential triggers or themes to avoid in the prescribed reading.

b. Authors and Format:

Explore the authors the client prefers, as this can offer insights into their literary taste. Does the client have a preferred reading format – hardcover or paperback, audiobook, or physical book? Understanding these nuances contributes to tailoring the bibliotherapeutic experience to the client’s individual preferences.

c. Triggers and Aversions:

Delve into the client’s triggers and aversions in literature. What themes or content do they find challenging? Identifying potential triggers helps in curating a reading list that fosters a safe and supportive environment for the client’s healing journey.

3. Prescription:

Armed with the information gathered during the reading intake, the therapist can now craft a personalized prescription. What is the best book to recommend that will address the client’s specific problem or question? The prescription should align with the client’s preferences, steer clear of potential triggers, and offer insights or solutions relevant to their current season of life.

As a therapist, if you’re looking to seamlessly integrate this practice into your private practice, LiterapyNYC has the perfect solution – our comprehensive reading intake.

At LiterapyNYC, we understand the significance of a well-informed reading intake in making precise book matches that align with your clients’ unique needs. Our reading intake, available for purchase at www.LiterapyNYC.com, equips you with all the essential tools to understand your clients as readers and make the most effective book recommendations to support their treatment goals.

This invaluable resource includes a digital workbook that guides you through the intake process, providing carefully crafted questions and clinical considerations to ensure a thorough understanding of your clients’ reading preferences. Additionally, the package includes a recorded mini webinar tutorial, walking you through each step of the process, making it easy to integrate bibliotherapy seamlessly into your practice.

Elevate your therapeutic approach with LiterapyNYC’s reading intake – a comprehensive solution designed to enhance your ability to connect clients with literature that resonates with their unique journey. Visit [www.LiterapyNYC.com] to empower your practice and bring the enriching benefits of bibliotherapy to your clients