The Process of Therapeutic Reading: Opening Doors for Counselor Development

Abstract

In this study, the authors examined the therapeutic reading process with graduate counseling students. Journals completed by 21 students participating in a graduate counselor education elective course, Creativity in Counseling, were examined. Phenomenological data analysis approaches were employed. Emergent themes suggested that therapeutic reading opened doors for insight, action, connection, communication, building relationships, and growth as professional counselors. Implications for counselor education, practice, and research are provided.

KEYWORDS:

• therapeutic reading
• self-help
• bibliotherapy
• creativity in counseling
• counselor education

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Laura Bruneau

Laura Bruneau is an Associate Professor in the Department of Counselor Education at Adams State University, Alamosa, Colorado.

Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson

Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson is a Professor and Dean of the College of Education and Human Services at Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.