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bredforloyalty · 3 months

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the lecture on transgenerational heritage was fantastic

#[after bibliotherapy workshop] i need to become a bibliotherapist [after lecture by a family therapist] i need to do family therapy #who knows what will happen tomorrow.#this speaker prepared for a shorter lecture originally and she's just had eye surgery and still it was like.. it was so purposeful and #everything she said was substantial and she was so effortlessly funny and i loved her literary references and the ZEST her words had #and you could feel the decades of experience and the love she has for what she does. and i believed her #and i already believed her before she started speaking like this is my life these are the lens i use #kata.txt

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littleubereads · 1 year

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The Art of Mindful Reading by Ella Berthoud

Rating: 5 stars Six-Word Summary: Reading books is meditative and enjoyable.

"The Art of Mindful Reading embraces the joy of absorbing words on a page, encouraging a state of mind as deeply therapeutic and vital to our wellbeing as breathing. The healing power of reading has been renowned since Aristotle; focus, flow and enlightenment can all be discovered through this universal act. Bibliotherapist Ella Berthoud explores how reading mindfully can shape the person you are, teach empathy with others and give you your moral backbone. Through meditative exercises, engaging anecdote and expert insight, discover the enriching potential of reading for mindfulness."

Why did I pick this book up?

I saw it at the library in the nonfiction section and the cover just really stuck out to me. The concept of mindfulness is something that does interest me and I never thought about how reading could relate to meditation.

What are the major points of the book?

Reading can be meditative. Reading allows you to escape, enter a flow state, and can be rather cathartic. Your heart rate slows down and the left-to-right movement of your eyes can help your brain enter a "stress-relieving meditative state" (p11). These claims were not cited, unfortunately, so are they reliable? Unsure.

Try different things. Have you tried audiobooks? Have you tried hula-hooping while reading? Have you tried reading in a tree? Have you tried abridged versions of books? Experiment with reading.

Reading doesn't have to be sacred or perfect. The author recommends to defile your books. If you are intimidated by a pristine copy, cut it up with a knife, throw it in a bush, rub grass on it. Books don't have to be sacred and intimidating. Just enjoy it! Throw it to the wind!

How does this book relate to me?

You can summarize your reading by writing a six-word summary. I often get overwhelmed by trying to journal or describe something. Berthoud suggests trying to summarize things with six words and that made things significantly more approachable.

Reflect on your reading with a book journal and discuss the following items.

This approach was a concise and straightforward way to reflect on books and I hope to implement it in my future book reviews!

three major points

three questions you would ask the author

three ways it relates to you

three ways it relates to others

Reading can be cathartic, an escape, and also allow you to enter a flow state. I think this is why I'm so captivated by reading. With just a book, I can be somewhere else, I feel myself deeply focus, and I also feel like I'm able to deeply feel and experience my emotions as I follow the characters through their adventures.

You can do yoga while reading. I have been aspiring to incorporate more stretching into my life and stretching while reading seems wonderful. I tried these poses out in my office at 1 AM and found them to be rather relaxing.

sphinx pose

legs up the wall

lotus pose

child's pose

frog pose

supine twist

downward-facing dog

Sharing books has become an incredibly important thing for me. When I was younger, books were a more solitary activity, but more recently, I've enjoyed sharing books with others through the various book clubs and interactions with my friends. Today, I even recommended a book to the cashier at the boba place! I hope to continue doing this and using books as a way to relate to those around me.

What quotes resonated with me?

p. 31: "Our own worries fly out the window as we lose ourselves in fiction."

Who would like this book?

people that are looking for other ways to bring meditation and mindfulness into their lives

people who are intimidated by reading and are trying to find inspiration to get into it

people who want to read the thoughts of an eccentric bibliophile and their mindful approach to reading

Additional Notes

The cover of the book is textured and made me more conscious of handling the book. I wonder if this was an intentional move to encourage more mindfulness aka the main idea of the book.

#the art of mindful reading #ella berthoud #book review

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ireadfiction09 · 8 months

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Bibliotherapy: How Reading Can Heal the Mind and Soul

🗒️ Introduction:

In a world where stress and mental health concerns are on the rise, bibliotherapy has emerged as a powerful tool for healing the mind and soul. Bibliotherapy, often referred to as the use of books as medicine for the soul, is a practice that dates back to ancient times. The Ancient Greeks, recognizing the magical healing quality of literature, built libraries that held both entertainment and knowledge, laying the foundations for what we now know as bibliotherapy. Today, this therapeutic approach has gained recognition for its ability to help individuals overcome physical and mental trauma.

Check out romance fiction book recommendations here.

📚 Understanding Bibliotherapy

Bibliotherapy is a versatile practice that involves reading or writing as a form of therapy. It's not just about the pleasure of reading; it's about harnessing the healing power that literature possesses. The process is often guided by trained bibliotherapists who prescribe specific books based on an individual's needs and challenges. These therapists understand that different books resonate with different people, and the key is to find a literary work that speaks to an individual's experiences and emotions.

💆‍♂️ Healing the Mind through Bibliotherapy

1. Understanding Mental Health Conditions

Bibliotherapy plays a crucial role in helping individuals understand and cope with mental health conditions. By providing information, support, and guidance through storytelling, it serves as a valuable complement to traditional therapeutic methods.

2. The Therapeutic Power of Words

Social workers are increasingly recommending bibliotherapy as an adjunct therapy, with positive results. The healing power of words is profound, and engaging with written narratives can be a therapeutic journey in itself.

💖 Nourishing the Soul through Literature

1. Escaping into Other Worlds

One of the primary ways bibliotherapy heals the soul is by providing an escape into different worlds. Whether it's fiction or non-fiction, the immersive experience of a well-written book can transport readers to realms where they can momentarily disconnect from their own challenges.

2. Empathy and Connection

Literature has a unique ability to cultivate empathy by allowing readers to see the world through different perspectives. This empathetic connection is a powerful force that can help individuals feel understood and less alone in their struggles.

🌟 Personal Stories of Transformation

Bibliotherapy isn't just a theoretical concept; it has tangible, real-world impacts. Numerous personal stories attest to the transformative power of reading. Individuals have found solace, inspiration, and strength in the pages of books, guiding them through difficult times and fostering personal growth.

🚀 Incorporating Bibliotherapy into Daily Life

The beauty of bibliotherapy lies in its accessibility. While guided sessions with bibliotherapists are beneficial, individuals can also incorporate bibliotherapy into their daily lives. Here are some practical ways to do so:

1. Create a Reading Routine

Establishing a regular reading routine can provide a sense of structure and relaxation. Dedicate a specific time each day to immerse yourself in a good book.

2. Book Clubs for Community Support

Joining a book club can enhance the therapeutic aspects of reading by fostering community and discussion. Sharing thoughts and emotions about a book with others can deepen the impact of the reading experience.

3. Journaling and Creative Writing

Writing, as an extension of bibliotherapy, can be a powerful form of self-expression. Keeping a journal or engaging in creative writing allows individuals to process their thoughts and emotions.

🌐 Conclusion

In a fast-paced and often stressful world, bibliotherapy stands as a beacon of hope and healing. Through the simple yet profound act of reading, individuals can embark on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and transformation. The magic lies not just in the words on the pages but in the profound connection between literature and the human soul.

#bibliophile #book blog #book review #bookish #books #bookworm #authors #mindfulness #peace #inner peace #healing

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dollycas · 1 year

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Paper Cuts: An Enchanting Cozy Mystery (A Secret, Book, and Scone Society Novel) by Ellery Adams #Review / #Giveaway @KensingtonBooks @ElleryAdams

Welcome to Cozy Wednesday! It is my pleasure to share my thoughts today about Paper Cuts by Ellery Adams!

Paper Cuts: An Enchanting Cozy Mystery (A Secret, Book, and Scone Society Novel) Cozy Mystery 6th in Series Setting - North Carolina Kensington Cozies (April 25, 2023) Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 304 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1496726472 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496726476 Kindle ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B84G9QWT

The New York Times bestselling author returns with a mystery with a touch of magical realism and a strong, female bookstore owner and bibliotherapist at its heart. Miracle Springs, North Carolina, is famed for its healing springs. But bookstore owner Nora Pennington has a tendency to land in a different kind of hot water. Though she loves to practice bibliotherapy by finding the perfect books for her customers while listening to their secrets, she also likes to bury her nose in the occasional local crime… Nora escaped her past a decade ago. So it feels like a visit from another world when Kelly Walsh—the woman her ex-husband left her for—walks through the door of Miracle Books along with her son, a sweet, serious boy with a talent for origami. Kelly hasn’t come to gloat, though. As it turns out, she’s been dumped too. She’s also terribly ill, and all she wants from Nora is forgiveness. Shockingly, however, this woman who’s been the victim of so much misfortune is about to become a murder victim. Who would do such a thing? Certainly not Nora, but that doesn’t stop the gossip and suspicion—especially after Kelly’s brother claims that he saw the two women arguing. In seeking justice for Kelly, The Secret, Book, and Scone Society joins forces with the sheriff’s department, but they’ve barely begun their probe when life throws another wrench. After serving a twenty-year sentence, Estella’s father returns to Miracle Springs. And when his past comes back to haunt him, it might be more than the four friends can handle. Dollycas's Thoughts Secret, Book, and Scone Society Members Nora, the owner of Miracle Books, tries to heal people's woes with a unique set of books she personally selects for them. Hester runs the Gingerbread House bakery. Customers tell her a little bit about their lives and what brought them to Miracle Springs. Then she bakes them up a “comfort scone”. June works at the hot springs spa where people come to rejuvenate themselves. Estella is a beautician who tries to help her clients find their true selves. Sheldon is an honorary member, he works for Nora and suffers from fibromyalgia. He is just the sweetest person. Nora Pennington came to Miracle Springs, North Carolina to escape her past. Now a decade later her past catches up with her. The woman her ex-husband left her for, Kelly Walsh has entered her store with her autistic son Tucker who happens to love origami. She tells Nora that Lawrence has dumped her too. She is very ill and wants Nora to forgive her for the drama she brought to her life. Before Nora can even get a grasp on her feelings Kelly is murdered and when Kelly's brother claims he witnessed the two women arguing and that Nora gave Kelly a push Nora finds herself on the short list of suspects. To clear her name and get justice for Kelly The Secret, Book, and Scone Society starts their own investigation. This is even more important when Nora's significant other, Sheriff Grant McCabe is forced off the case. There is another happening in Miracle Springs, Estella’s father has been released from prison after 20 years. Like Nora, his past rears its ugly head, and if he isn't careful he could be back behind bars. If you have read any of Ellery Adams' books you know she creates vivid and diverse characters and that friendship between the key players is always strong. The friendships of the characters in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society Mystery series are no exception. They work and play well together in everything they do and when one is in trouble they rally together to protect their own. Each book in the series also has relevant social issues. This time that includes an autistic child learning to make his way in the world who now also has to deal with losing his mother. Adams also shines a light on a man trying to reacclimate to life out in the world after being imprisoned for two decades. Both characters are involved throughout the whole story so these themes are delved into and handled in the most excellent way. Tucker is such a cool kid and Gus went to jail for protecting his daughter and she is so supportive of him as he becomes a new resident of Miracle Springs. I hope both continue to appear in the books going forward. With Nora's past a theme in this book readers are reminded of why she came to Miracle Springs and have an even better understanding as we meet her ex. Sadly for Nora, she relives the moment of the accident and the aftermath again. She still feels the pain not only from the visual scars but in her heart. While I always encourage everyone to read series books in order to really get to know the characters, if you haven't read previous books the details presented in this book will help you understand Nora. I am always in awe of the woman and her gift to help people through books. Ms. Adams must do tons of research to enable her protagonist to do this. The murder mystery was so well-plotted. It was hard because Grant and Nora had to keep their distance even when she became a target. Detective Hollowell made things even harder. No spoilers but she pushed my buttons and Nora's too. The mystery has a lot of moving parts and several twists. I enjoyed how all the subplots were twisted into the main plot. It was easy to escape right into the story. As a cancer survivor, my heart broke for Kelly. She knew she had very little time left and was trying to get everything in place for young Tucker. Trying to explain to him what was happening to her and that she would soon be gone but that he would be cared for is unfathomable and then the murderer took what little time they had away from them. That made this an emotional read for me. Paper Cuts, what a perfect title, is a wonderful cozy mystery filled with incredible characters. I love this series and can't wait until next April when I will get to visit Miracle Springs again.

Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent

About the Author Ellery Adams has written over thirty mystery novels and can’t imagine spending a day away from the keyboard. Ms. Adams, a native New Yorker, has had a lifelong love affair with stories, food, rescue animals, and large bodies of water. When not working on her next novel, she bakes, gardens, spoils her three cats, and spends far too much time on Pinterest. She lives with her husband and two children (aka the Trolls) in Chapel Hill, NC. For more information, please visit www.elleryadamsmysteries.com. Be sure to sign up for her newsletter here.

Also by this Author

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#cozymystery #ElleryAdams #Kensington #NetGalley #NorthCarolina

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rpodyssey · 1 year

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fairytalebibliotherapy · 2 years

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#darkacademia #darkacademiaaesthetic #bibliotherapy #bibliotherapist #bookstagram #bookaesthetic #lightacademia #lightacademiaaesthetic #cottageacademia #cottageacademiaaesthetic #libraryinspiration #gingercat #ginger

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librabookworm · 2 years

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Areas of Specialization: Bibliotherapy and American With Disabilities Consultant-Adaptive Technology Expert

Originally when I thought about Bibliotherapy a memory was triggered of my son’s Autism Home Facilitator, Emily. She would come to our house and draft social stories for my son to help him cope with a situation he was struggling with at the time or prepare him for a future transition. They helped him with issues such as when he was transferred to a new school and when his grandpa was diagnosed with cancer.

The ALA describes Bibliotherapy as “the use of books selected on the basis of content in a planned reading program designed to facilitate the recovery of patients suffering from mental illness or emotional disturbance. Ideally, the process occurs in three phases: personal identification of the reader with a particular character in the recommended work, resulting in psychological catharsis, which leads to rational insight concerning the relevance of the solution suggested in the text to the reader’s own experience.” I think I can safely say that we all have read a book or two that spoke to us or made characters and situations feel relatable to our own lives. The written word is a powerful medium that gives us insight that we may have never considered before. Bibliotherapy can help with a wide range of situations such as homelessness, abuse, anxiety, etc. There are training and certification programs online to become a bibliotherapist with appropriate licensure and pre-requisites.

In my research I found two amazing bibliotherapists that do consultations through The School of Life in London. I will link the website below. Ella Berthoud and Susan Elderkin were schoolmates at Cambridge University and in 2007 collaborated on the idea to do consultations in person, over the phone and through Skype. They molded The School of Life into what it is today. The main difference between what Ella and Susan do compared to Emily is they match up patients with existing literature that isn’t necessarily in the self-help section. Bibliotherapists can use poetry as well as literature to help their patients.

Emily produced one off stories for my son that were combined with small illustrations for visual impact. They were usually laminated in one page format and personalized. The concept of these social stories to bibliotherapy is essentially the same. They help the individual cope with a stressful situation or disorder. My son was the character in his own stories, so the relatability aspect was immediate. Having had the experience of seeing the transformative impact these stories had on my son I am a believer in how much books can positively affect us.

The specialization area of Americans with Disabilities Consultant-Adaptive Technology Expert took me in two directions. I thought of the adaptive technology angle and having a son with Autism. We have used adaptive technology in our home over the years. As he grows his needs change. I made a note on what he is currently using which is the Watchminder and Amazon’s 4th Gen Echo Dot. The Watchminder is a wristwatch that he can program to alert him when he needs to accomplish a task such as showering or doing his laundry. The watch will vibrate and display the task on the face. Alexa helps him with everything from spelling a word to telling him a joke. I asked Alexa what an adaptive technology expert was, and she told me she had no information on that. But she did say “adaptive technology refers to special versions of already existing technologies or tools that provide enhancements or different ways of interacting with the technology. The adaptation helps individuals with a disability or impairment accomplish a specific task.”

I couldn’t find much on the career of an Adaptive Technology Expert working as a consultant for Americans with disabilities, but the consultant aspect of adaptive technology could imply that the expert acts as a consultant to technology-based services and companies by insuring they are in compliance with the ADA’s (American Disability Act) Standards for Accessible Design. That act states that all electronic and information technology must be accessible to people with disabilities. So, what does that look like? Special versions of already existing technologies or tools that provide enhancements or different ways of interacting with technology could be screen-reader software, captioned media, and a host of other assistive technologies.

Working in this field is Betsy Furler, the founder of For All Abilities in Houston which navigates the intersection of business and disabilities. She describes her job title as an expert in technology solutions for people with disabilities. Betsy works with app developers and tech companies that want to improve the accessibility of their products and acts as a consultant for films with characters with disabilities.

Databases

Three databases that would be the most helpful as research sources for a project related to these areas of specialization would be:

Gale Academic OneFile

You can access articles from a database of scholarly journals and other trusted periodicals. Best for academic research. I’ve used Gale Academic in the past and was impressed with the search results. I did an inquiry with my areas of specialization and got great articles.

Family and Society Studies

Index to the literature of family science, human ecology, and human development which includes journal articles, books, conference papers, and government reports. Because this database has an emphasis on human development and family science, I feel it would be an excellent source for the tech/health aspect of these areas of specialization.

Academic Search Complete

Academic Search Complete is a large scholarly, multidisciplinary, full-text database, with more than 7,400 full-text periodicals, including more than 6,300 peer-reviewed journals. In addition to full text, this database offers indexing and abstracts for more than 11,500 scholarly, popular, trade, and special interest serials, and a total of more than 12,000 publications including monographs, reports, conference proceedings, and more. This database is my go-to for academic research. Because of the sheer volume of information, I’ve been able to always find what I’m looking for.

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bouchthebookworm · 5 years

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Ill be back to my original postings soon I promise book lovers, I just have so much going on! (As usual!) Our house goes@in the market this week, holidays, Easter, Illness oh AND... I’ve just been accepted to CSU to complete my Masters Degree in Information Systems! Uh Huh... ya girl is going to be a Librarian! Well in about three years anyway! In the meantime, meet me in Velaris, I don’t wanna live in the real world right now. . . . . . #brisbanemums #bookstagram #booksofig #booklovers #acomafquote #acomaf #velaris #bookworm #bookdragon #bibliophile #bibliovert #bibliotherapist #futurelibrarian (at Berrinba) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw1frD9ltJM/?igshid=1o2p89fdtgt01

#brisbanemums #bookstagram #booksofig #booklovers #acomafquote #acomaf #velaris #bookworm #bookdragon #bibliophile #bibliovert #bibliotherapist #futurelibrarian

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cupofteajones · 2 years

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Quote Of the Day - January 8, 2021

Quote Of the Day – January 8, 2021

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#Bibliotherapist #Book Therapy #Books #inspirational #Inspirational Quotes #Kathryn Schulz #Life #Lost and Found #Quote of the Day #Quotes #Quotes About Books #Quotes About Reading #Quotes from Books #reading

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ali-stegert · 3 years

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Can Books Heal?

Any reader worth her salt will agree literature comforts, stimulates, elucidates, and educates; but can books heal? For years, I’ve been fascinated with the practice of bibliotherapy, a therapeutic approach that uses literature to support mental health and wellbeing, and it all started with — you guessed it — a book. A few years ago, I read and reviewed The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George.…

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#triggerwarning #benefits of reading #bibliotherapist #bibliotherapy #bibliotherapy for children #Book Well #books and wellbeing #healing books #issue books #issue books for kids #literary apothecary #SCBWI QLD #The Little Paris Bookshop

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brooksbangs · 7 years

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📚📚🖋🚬💣🔨💪🏼💪🏼 #bookworm #booknerd #booklover #booksmart #bookstagram #bibliotherapy #bibliotherapist #librarylove #goodreads #bookshelf #radicalreading #beautifulbooks

#booknerd #goodreads #bookstagram #bibliotherapy #librarylove #booklover #bibliotherapist #bookworm #bookshelf #booksmart #beautifulbooks #radicalreading

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mostgeckcellent · 3 years

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hi yes i'm here from gemsofthegalaxy's rb PLEASE tell me about bibliotherapy?!

oh wow lol I didn't expect anyone to actually ask, thank you!! I would love a chance to not work on my thesis and just talk about theory instead.

Also, just like a note - I am actually a science communication student. I'm not in psychology, I'm not going to be a licensed therapist, I'm just using bibliotherapy theory to inform my research on storytelling and environmental advocacy. So I am super not qualified to give real advice on therapy, biblio or otherwise.

This got really long. I added a readmore.

With disclaimers out of the way, let's talk bibliotherapy!!!

So, okay. Bibliotherapy is, functionally, a combination of reading and talk therapy. It's used a lot regarding trauma, and one of the reasons for that is that someone might not be ready to really address or face that trauma head on yet, might not be ready to really address that part of them, BUT reading can help you think about it, and it can help introduce new narratives and shift ways of thinking about things, so you can talk about the character, instead of yourself.

Reading is really important. Or, more specifically, stories are really important, and the written word has been the dominant form of receiving and sharing stories for a really long time now. Stories are a fundamental human behaviour. Bibliotherapy theory argues that it's maybe The fundamental human behaviour - it's through stories that we learn about the world, our place in the world, and eventually, stories are also how we form our sense of self. It's through stories that we categorize, organize, and either accept or reject information.

From infancy, stories are how we connect to the world. Consider the nursery rhyme Ten Little Pigs Go To Market. It's a nonsensical story. The words by themselves are meaningless. But it's a story you tell to infants. What they learn isn't that the last little piggy went crying all the way home - no, they learn that stories are how they connect to their parents; they learn that their parents will play with them, play with their fingers or their toes. They learn about their body, about play - we are rewarded for engaging with language, with stories, with Fun.

That's one of the mechanisms by which bibliotherapy works. It's scary to talk about yourself, especially about things that make you vulnerable. But stories reward us with fun. It's easier to talk about stories, and typically, the stories that we identify with, that we love, that mean something to us, say something about us. We connect with those stories, those characters, for a reason.

When we read, we learn new ways of organizing information. We see things through new frames, through different filters (these are different things, frames and filters, and I can get into that, but this post is already getting So Long). We inform our sense of self based on information that is available to us. That sounds obvious, but it's important, because this is what stories do, right, they increase the total sum of what is available for informing our sense of self. We don't have to take in and identify with everything we read, but the more we are exposed to, the more we have to work with when it comes to forming an identity.

So, that was a lot of theory, but what happens in bibliotherapy?

A bibliotherapist, like any therapist, has to take time to get to know you, to get to know your goals, to build trust. But one of the first, foundational things a bibliotherapist will do is ask for your favourite books.

They will get to know what has informed your sense of self. What you like to read, what you identify with, what is meaningful to you. Once that's familiar, they'll assign you something new to read. There will be a reason for it - a story you'll identify with, told in a way that will be meaningful but different. You'll read the book. You'll talk about it. Hopefully, talking about what happened in the book, what happened to those characters, talking about how and why you connect, and with what, all of that, will slowly, gradually, move you from a place of unreadiness to face this thing, whatever that trauma is, to a place where you're more ready, by shifting internal dialogues and frameworks.

Okay so there are whole ass books written on this subject, so I can't obviously give a full view of bibliotherapy in a post on tumblr dot com. It's a really complex field that involves neurobiology, evolutionary biology, psychology, philosophy, literature, sociology - it's a lot. But I hope this little intro helped, and was interesting. Anyone who wants to ask more questions, my ask box is always open. Anon is off because I don't trust like that lol, but I'm always happy to talk about this stuff. I have lots more to say! I didn't even get into the stuff that I really dig into with my thesis!

But also, some quick lil reading recommendations on the subject:

The Story Species by Joseph Gold - the introduction is good, to start with. If you're interested in bibliotherapy specifically, also check out chapters 4, 10 and 11

Read For Your Life also by Joseph Gold (My Boy Joe is sorta the leading scholar in bibliotherapy) - chapters 8-9

Definition of Man by Burke - introduction

I have the last two as PDFs, so y'know, DM me if you want them I guess.

#bibliotherapy #if anyone wants to know more #like I said #i could go on forever #about either bibliotherapy specifically or about my actual project #thanks for asking!#sorry this got so long...... lol

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ebookporn · 4 years

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Stories have always been healing, so I’m funding bibliotherapists

Ann Cleeves found solace in reading when her husband experienced a psychotic episode. Now, the Vera author explains, she’s funding a scheme to bring that comfort to her community

This year, my detective Vera Stanhope turns 21. She first appeared in 1999 in a book called The Crow Trap, which was conceived while I walked miles round the Northumberland countryside with my husband, Tim. He had suffered a major psychotic episode and been hospitalised. Though he’d been allowed home, he was still very poorly and very restless. Walking was the best remedy. It was autumn. I remember low sunlight, hedgerows loaded with haws and sloes, and to the rhythm of our footsteps, I brought to life the dishevelled, compassionate middle-aged detective who would very soon become part of my life.

“ I’m not sure about the term “bibliotherapist”; it sounds a bit off-putting, and brings to mind Eton schoolboys spouting Latin or Greek. These workers aren’t therapists on the medical or counselling model. But the concept of bibliotherapy is worth trying.“

My escape was into fiction – reading it and writing it. I was lucky because I was already a published writer and I had a reason to make stuff up. Of course, the guy who’d been stealing from the charity and was indirectly the cause of Tim’s illness was murdered in a novel. I explored the issue of depression and came to understand my own response to Tim’s behaviour. I read too, voraciously, anything that took me into a different world, away from the stress and anxiety of my everyday life. I wasn’t earning very much from my books then, and because of his illness Tim’s job was precarious. My local library, in Seaton Delaval, was a lifeline. It kept me going.