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© 2025 Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah
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Hi, my name is Bijal Shah and I am a bibliotherapist and founder of Book Therapy (a bibliotherapy and literary curation practice: www.booktherapy.io). I'm also the author of the book, Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading (https://bit.ly/bibliotherapybook). I curate book prescriptions and provide online training in bibliotherapy, more detail of this can be found on my website, www.booktherapy.io
In this podcast, I share my knowledge and research on bibliotherapy, including the latest developments, science and book recommendations.
Join me every week where we take a deep dive into Bibliotherapy.
We release two episodes a week:
1. Voicenotes fom Me, Your Resident Bibliotherapist.
2. Ask the Bibliotherapist: Book Recommendations for What's On Your Mind
Join our member-only subscription here to listen to all episodes for free. To get access to corresponding transcripts: https://bibliotherapywithbijal.substack.com/subscribe
I hope you enjoy the show and if you'd like a bibliotherapist in your pocket then you might find my book, Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading (https://bit.ly/bibliotherapybook) a helpful companion.
Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and get new episodes as they are released. If you'd like the transcripts to all episodes, you can join our member-only subscription on Substack: https://bibliotherapywithbijal.substack.com/subscribe
And as always, I love hearing from listeners so if you'd like to get in touch, share any book recommendations or thoughts on bibliotherapy, you can do so at bijal@booktherapy.io
40 Episodes
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In this opening episode of Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah, I trace love’s enduring role as literature’s greatest subject, and explore love not as sentimentality, but as a profound human discipline that shapes how we live, connect, and heal, from divine longing to intimacy, navigating loss and loneliness. I reflect on the paradox of modern loneliness: that the deepest ache is not the absence of others, but the longing to be truly seen. Drawing on the words of Erich Fromm, Rumi, and Kahlil Gibra...
Excited to share Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah is back with Season 4! In Season 4, I’ll be sharing my 40 best books of 2025 to read in 2026 across both fiction and non-fiction — and yes there are some surprise reads in there! We’ll also dive deep into the role of the romantic comedy in healing — and what it means to be a romantic hero: someone who, despite a hundred heartbreaks, can still say, “I still believe in love.” After all, most of us have been heartbroken — if not by a person, then ...
In today's episode, we’re immersing ourselves in the gentle, contemplative, and often transformative world of Japanese literature. As we step into the season of spring, a time of renewal, impermanence, and quiet growth, I can’t think of a better literary tradition to explore. We'll be diving into both Japanese fiction and nonfiction that can support our emotional wellbeing, offer perspective, and help us reconnect—with ourselves, with nature, and with others. Plus I share some helpful therape...
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 Dostoy...
Dear Listener, Hello and welcome back to Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah—the podcast where books are more than stories—they're medicine for the soul. Today, I’m thrilled to share some of the spring and summer reads that I am most excited about reading this year. Whether you're seeking escape, self-discovery, or emotional renewal, this season’s fiction and nonfiction titles offer powerful paths to healing. From stories of love, loss, and intergenerational memory to explorations of identity...
In this episode of Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah, we explore how the shared experience of reading can become a profound path to healing. From grief support circles to juvenile justice programs and women's shelters, I share examples of settings where group bibliotherapy can be incredibly impactful. Discover how stories can break isolation, build empathy, and foster collective resilience. Whether you're a therapist, educator, or simply a book lover, this episode will inspire you to see li...
The concept of neurodiversity has gained widespread recognition over the past few decades, advocating for a shift in perspective from viewing neurological differences as deficits to acknowledging them as natural variations of the human brain. Neurodivergence encompasses conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and other cognitive differences. Rather than pathologising these variations, neurodiversity embraces the idea that c...
In today's episode, inspired by the Netflix series Adolescence, I explore the emotional and social challenges facing today’s teenage boys and suggest a curated list of both fiction and nonfiction books to help parents better understand and support their children. Drawing from key themes in the show—mental health, toxic masculinity, online influence, and emotional isolation—the episode pairs literary insights with practical parenting strategies, tools and reading resources for parents to...
I hope you’ve been enjoying SEASON 3 of my podcast Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah so far! Episodes published to date discuss literary journaling and reflective practice with literacy coach and bookologist Stephanie Affinito, books that celebrate women writers with a specific focus on women’s empowerment and the rise of romantasy and it’s intersection with bibliotherapy with lots more valuable bibliotherapy content coming up to look forward to! In today’s episode, I wanted to introduce my conve...
Dear Listener, Join us as we explore the growing popularity of romantasy and its connection to bibliotherapy. Discover how these captivating narratives offer not only escapism but also emotional healing, resilience, and self-discovery. I hope you enjoy this selection! Any other books we should add? Let me know in the comments. x Email us at bijal@booktherapy.io Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and get new episodes as they are released. If you'd like access to t...
Dear Listener, Following International Women's Day 2025, and in celebration of Women's History Month this March, I have selected a notable set of thought-provoking books that explore women's stories - their resilience, courage and drive. These spotlight the journeys of courageous women, trailblazers, and change-makers from around the world. From memoirs and biographies to fiction that captures the spirit of resilience, each book invites much-need conversations on gender equality to insp...
Dear Listener, In today's voicenote, I talk to Stephanie Affinito, Literacy Coach, Bookologist and Host of the Get Lit(erate) Podcast, on the role of literary journaling & reflective practice in bibliotherapy plus more. Enjoy! Warmly, Bijal Bibliotherapist & Co-founder, Book Therapy ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi, my name is Bijal Shah and I am a bibliotherapist and founder of Book Therapy (a bibliotherapy a...
Dear Listener, Get ready to dive into a year of literary magic with my most anticipated reads of 2025, where unforgettable characters, gripping plots, and thought-provoking themes promise to captivate your imagination. From epic adventures to heartwarming tales, these books are set to redefine storytelling and leave a lasting mark on your bookshelves! I hope you enjoy the listen! Warmly, Bijal x Bibliotherapist & Co-founder, Book Therapy Email us at bijal@booktherapy.io Don't forget...
Dear Listener, In today's voicenote, I share my personal reflections on Bibliotherapy in 2024. I hope you enjoy the listen! Bijal x Bibliotherapist & Co-founder, Book Therapy Email us at bijal@booktherapy.io Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and get new episodes as they are released. If you'd like access to the transcripts, do subscribe to my substack: Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah - Transcripts on Substack. If you'd like a bibliotherapist in your pocket then ...
Dear Listener, In this special voicenote, I share a short, curated list of my favorite books, movies, TV show, and a quote from 2024. Join me as I explore the stories and moments that left a lasting impression. From page-turning reads to thought-provoking screen gems, this episode is a small celebration of some of the art and words that shaped my 2024. I hope you enjoy the listen! Warmly, Bijal x Email us at bijal@booktherapy.io Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podca...
Dear Listener, In today's voicenote, we explore scriptotherapy and how it is used alongside bibliotherapy. Enjoy! Bijal x Bibliotherapist & Co-founder, Book Therapy Email us at bijal@booktherapy.io Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and get new episodes as they are released. If you'd like access to the transcripts, do subscribe to my substack: Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah - Transcripts on Substack. If you'd like a bibliotherapist in your pocket then you might ...
Dear Listener, This week, we’re diving into the type of books that don’t just tell a great story or share a great idea, but truly change lives. What makes a book life-changing? It’s one that lingers in your thoughts, shifts your perspective, or nudges you to take action. And what better gift to give someone than a book that has the potential to inspire, empower, or transform their life? Whether you’re shopping for a loved one, a colleague, or even yourself, I’ve got you covered with some inc...
Dear Listener, In today's voicenote, I share some of my favourite bookish gifts, including some bibliotherapy options too, to inspire your gift giving ahead of the festive season :) Enjoy! Warmly, Bijal Bibliotherapist & Co-founder, Book Therapy ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi, my name is Bijal Shah and I am a bibliotherapist and founder of Book Therapy (a bibliotherapy and literary curation practice). I'm also t...
Following on from last week's voice note on Indian Rasa Theory & Bibliotherapy, I wanted to dive into the rich and evocative world of Indian literature—both fiction and nonfiction—to uncover its therapeutic power and heartwarming and uplifting effect. How can the words of writers from this diverse and multicultural land offer solace, healing, and insight in our own lives? Listen to the episode here to find out more. If you'd like access to the transcript, you can read it here by subscrib...
Dear Listener, In today's voicenote we delve into the timeless wisdom of Indian Rasa Theory—an ancient Indian philosophy of emotions—and explore its fascinating role in modern bibliotherapy. I hope you find this blend of tradition and healing both enjoyable and valuable :) Bijal x Bibliotherapist & Co-founder, Book Therapy ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi, my name is Bijal Shah and I am a bibliotherapist and founder...
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