Bibliotherapy Laboratory

Experiential and Educational Developmental Bibliotherapy Workshops

Abstract

The Bibliotherapy Laboratory is an educational and experiential program developed by the Balans Center for Bibliotherapy and Logopedagogy, the leading organization for bibliotherapy in Croatia, and has been running since 2021. Designed for literature professors, psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists and other professionals who work with people, the program provides participants with the opportunity to personally experience the transformative power of bibliotherapy. Simultaneously, it equips them with practical bibliotherapy methods that they can apply in their professional environments or use for personal growth and development. This paper will explore the origins of the program, its objectives, workshop structure, principles for selecting working material, the dynamics of group work, and the collaborative leadership approach of the two facilitators who shared responsibilities. The results of surveys conducted at the end of each cycle will be also mentioned. These findings highlight how empowered participants feel for future work with their clients, their experiences of group dynamics, the most memorable moments and the significance of humor, game and introductory exercises in fostering a stimulating and safe environment for group work. In conclusion, the paper will emphasize the importance of such experiential-educational bibliotherapy programs for the purpose of educating and connecting professionals in education and healthcare who wish to cultivate bibliotherapy in their communities.