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Hi there, Thank you so much for your interest in Bibliotherapy! Did you know we have a podcast + transcripts, titled Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah on Substack? If you've already subscribed, I truly hope you’ve been enjoying the podcast episodes and newsletters so far. It’s been a joy to share these bibliotherapy insights with you, and I’m thrilled to continue bringing you more resources that connect literature and mental wellbeing. I’d love to invite you to become a Founding Member on Substack. For a one-time contribution of $80, you’ll receive: Lifetime access to our Online Bibliotherapy, Literature and Mental Health Course (valued at $92 for...

In today's episode, I explore the psychological depth of Dostoyevsky’s literature through the lens of bibliotherapy. Could the Russian novelist understand the human psyche more intimately than Freud himself? We examine key characters, existential themes, and the healing potential of Dostoyevsky’s work, comparing literary insight with psychoanalytic theory. From Raskolnikov’s guilt to Ivan Karamazov’s spiritual crisis, this episode uncovers how fiction can mirror the unconscious—and why Dostoyevsky still resonates as a therapeutic force today.

Whether it's fiction or nonfiction, here are some of the most thought-provoking and transformative reads to look forward to over the next few months. Today, I’m thrilled to share the most anticipated spring and summer reads of 2025. Whether you're seeking escape, self-discovery, or emotional renewal, this season’s fiction and nonfiction titles offer powerful paths to healing.  Plus my book, Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading is finally out in the US and Canada on June 10, 2025 in case you’d like to add it to your Spring and Summer reads. I hope you love it :) Let’s dive in! Fiction First:...

Have you ever witnessed the healing power of books in action? While writing my book, Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading, one of the most moving chapters for me was Chapter 9—on Group Bibliotherapy. It tells the story of Reena, Devi, Deborah, and Amee, who turned to shared reading after experiencing the unimaginable loss of young children or miscarriages. Writing this chapter was incredibly difficult, but also deeply affirming—because it showed just how transformative group bibliotherapy can be in navigating grief, loss, and complex emotions. Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah - Transcripts on Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my...

  Happy Thursday!Hope you're doing well and had a wonderful start to the new year. I wanted to share some exciting updates :)1. New Bibliotherapy CoursesFirstly, super excited to share our BRAND new course on Group Bibliotherapy that launches at the end of this month!  Pre-order with code: PREORDER and receive 30% off. You'll receive a link to access the course on 28 February 2025. Plus catch up on our new Indian Rasa and Bibliotherapy Course, that launched towards the end of last year.2. Doctors Using BibliotherapyA great week for bibliotherapy in doctors' circles :) I will be speaking at an event organised by Klip Global who...