Reading and Writing the Self: Bringing biblio/poetry therapy into university spaces

Burns, D and Smith, A-M ORCID: 0000-0001-8917-0644 (2025) Reading and Writing the Self: Bringing biblio/poetry therapy into university spaces. European Journal for Biblio/Poetry Therapy, 1 (2). pp. 88-93. ISSN 3094-208X

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Abstract

This report offers reflections and insights based on our collaborative experience of introducing and delivering a ‘staff and student wellbeing’ programme of bibliotherapy and writing for wellbeing workshops at our university. These include monthly reading workshops using self-help texts, and monthly writing workshops which use a blend of approaches from therapeutic journaling and poetry therapy practice. Our report offers examples of the kind of workshops offered, and some broader context around the wellbeing initiative at our university. We reflect also on the benefits and challenges of inviting people to talk and/or write about the self in the context of the output-driven environment of Higher Education in the UK. Whilst our project centres on personal development and the non-clinical practice of bibliotherapy/writing for wellbeing, we also share our personal experiences of the therapeutic value of ‘writing the self’, and how these inform our practice. Finally, we look towards the next phase of developing and enhancing the project, alongside student interns.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	wellbeing; poetry therapy; bibliotherapy; higher education; writing the self
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education
Divisions:	Education
Publisher:	Hungarian Association for Biblio/Poetry Therapy
Date of acceptance:	31 January 2025
Date of first compliant Open Access:	26 September 2025
Date Deposited:	26 Sep 2025 14:06
Last Modified:	26 Sep 2025 14:15
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/27209

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