Bibliotherapy ~ Healing Through Stories
What is Bibliotherapy
Stories are powerful. They help us feel seen, understood, and connected to something greater than ourselves.
In my practice, I offer bibliotherapy — a therapeutic approach that uses books, podcasts, and other media as tools for healing, growth, and self-discovery. Through personalized Reading Identity Assessments and tailored reading prescriptions, I help individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges, uncover new perspectives, and reconnect with themselves.
Whether you’re seeking to process grief, improve communication in your relationship, explore your identity, or simply rediscover the joy of reading, bibliotherapy offers a path toward deeper understanding and growth.
How it Works
A Reading Identity Assessment is an interactive process where we explore your unique relationship with stories — books, podcasts, films, or other media — and identify how they can support your emotional needs, personal growth, and healing.
Exploration of Your Reading Identity (60 minutes)
We’ll discuss your reading habits, emotional themes, and the role stories have played in your life. This includes exploring:
Your reading history (books that shaped you)
Your current challenges and emotional needs
Your preferred formats (fiction, podcasts, films, etc.)
Personalized Prescription
Within 48 hours, I’ll send you a curated book/media list, including books, podcasts, and articles that align with your needs. Each recommendation comes with reflection prompts to guide your experience.
Optional Follow-Up (30 or 60 minutes)
We’ll revisit your reading experience, discuss insights gained, and adjust your prescription as needed.
Why Bibliotherapy?
Bibliotherapy offers a unique way to explore emotions, process life transitions, and reconnect with yourself through stories. Here’s why it works:
Accessible & Flexible: Books, podcasts, and media are tools you can access anytime to support your growth.
Personalized & Unique: Your reading prescription is tailored to your specific needs and goals — no generic lists!
A Catalyst for Reflection: Stories help us see ourselves in new ways, opening the door to emotional insight and change.
An Option for Those Unable to Access Therapy: Although bibliotherapy is not a replacement for psychotherapy, it can be a valuable option for those going through a challenging time or seeking self-growth but who may not be able to access ongoing therapy for various reasons. Whether it's due to financial constraints, time limitations, or other barriers, bibliotherapy offers an accessible form of emotional support that can help bridge the gap.
Bibliotherapy for Couples
Building Connection Through Shared Stories
Bibliotherapy isn’t just for individuals — it’s also a powerful tool for couples. Reading or listening to stories together can spark conversations, build empathy, and strengthen emotional bonds.
Through couples bibliotherapy, you’ll receive personalized book/media recommendations designed to help you:
Improve communication and reduce misunderstandings
Deepen intimacy and emotional connection
Navigate conflict with shared understanding
Rediscover joy in your relationship
Each prescription includes discussion prompts and exercises to guide your shared reflections.
What Makes Our Bibliotherapy Services Unique?
What Makes Our Bibliotherapy Services Unique?
More Than Just Books
Not everyone connects with books in the same way. That’s why we go beyond offering just books — if it aligns with your preferences, we incorporate other forms of media into your personalized reading prescription, such as podcasts, TED Talks, articles, and films. We meet you where you are and recommend content that resonates with your life and learning style.
Bilingual & Bicultural Expertise
As a bilingual (English/Spanish) and bicultural therapist, I offer bibliotherapy services in both languages. I incorporate works by Hispanic and Latin American authors, ensuring that your reading prescription includes culturally relevant stories that reflect your experiences and identity.
If you’ve been looking for Spanish-language resources or books that honor your heritage and culture, this service is for you.
An Inclusive, Identity-Affirming Approach
I provide an inclusive and identity-affirming approach to bibliotherapy by drawing from diverse authors and media to ensure that clients feel seen and supported. I work with clients from a wide range of backgrounds, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, cross-cultural couples, veterans and military families, and clients from diverse cultural and racial backgrounds. I believe that everyone deserves to see themselves represented in the stories they engage with, and I take care to ensure that each reading prescription reflects my clients’ unique identities and lived experiences.
Led by a Trained Psychotherapist
Unlike general bibliotherapy services that may be offered by book enthusiasts or literary experts, our bibliotherapy is led by a licensed psychotherapist with extensive clinical experience. This means your reading prescription is thoughtful, personalized, and grounded in psychological insights to support your mental health and emotional well-being.
With my background in evidence-based therapeutic practices, I ensure that your bibliotherapy journey complements your mental health goals and provides meaningful tools for self-reflection and growth.
Pricing for Bibliotherapy Services
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Individual Reading Identity Assessment (RIA) | $225
The Reading Identity Assessment is a 60-minute session where we explore your relationship with stories, your emotional needs, and the types of media that resonate with you. After the session, I’ll create a personalized reading/media prescription tailored to your specific goals, complete with reflection prompts to guide your growth.
This fee includes:
A 60-minute assessment session
A customized reading prescription delivered within 48 hours
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Couples Reading Identity Assessment | $275
For couples seeking to strengthen their emotional connection through shared stories, the Couples Reading Identity Assessment is a 75-minute session designed to explore your shared themes, challenges, and reading preferences. You’ll receive a joint reading prescription to foster empathy, communication, and intimacy.
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Follow-Up Session (Individual or Couples) $85 for 30 minutes | $165 for 60 minutes
A follow-up session to reflect on your reading experience, discuss insights, and adjust your personalized prescription. This session can be booked at any time after your initial assessment.
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Ongoing Bibliotherapy Subscription | $50/month
For those who want continuous support and personalized recommendations, the subscription includes:
A monthly reading/media prescription tailored to your evolving needs
Reflection prompts to deepen your engagement with the material
Email support for any questions or adjustments
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Add-On for Existing Therapy Clients | $200 | $50*
As a current therapy client, you can add a Reading Identity Assessment and receive a personalized reading prescription at a discounted package rate. This includes:
A 60-minute assessment session
A customized reading prescription
*Existing clients have access to a personalized reading prescription without having to complete a Reading Identity Assessment. I offer a stand-alone prescription service for $50.
FAQs
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Not at all! Bibliotherapy is about engaging with stories — whether through books, podcasts, or films. We’ll tailor your prescription to suit your preferences and lifestyle.
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No. Bibliotherapy is a complementary tool that enhances traditional therapy by providing resources to support your personal growth.
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That’s perfectly okay! The process is about exploration. If something doesn’t connect, we’ll adapt and find what works best for you.
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No. Bibliotherapy services are not covered by insurance. These services are out-of-pocket offerings designed to complement your therapeutic journey. While some bibliotherapy elements may be discussed within regular therapy sessions, personalized reading prescriptions, assessments, and follow-up sessions are billed separately.