Bibliotherapy

Can books really help us feel better? Bibliotherapist, author and counsellor Bijal Shah leads an inspiring, accessible conversation that shows how reading can support mental wellbeing and help us navigate life’s ups and downs. Exploring why the right book at the right moment can be so powerful, Bijal will invite young people to see stories not just as schoolwork or entertainment, but as tools for understanding themselves and the world.

Drawing on her book Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading, Shah shares fascinating examples from literary history alongside real-life experiences from her therapeutic work, revealing how books can bring comfort, clarity and confidence during times of stress or uncertainty. She also offers practical, teen-friendly advice on how to use reading intentionally, whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just in need of escape.

This session will encourage students to build a personal relationship with books that can support them now and into adulthood.