Abstract:

The book which is properly selected evokes positive emotions in the same way as the medicine which is properly prescribed heals. Bibliotherapy is defined as a positive and useful technique for working with different specialists. The prevailing understanding is that this is essentially a kind of healing through reading: books restore faith in life, awaken optimism, distract from heavy thoughts and experiences, and much more. It is effective when working with people of different age categories, healthy people and people with health problems who want to use literature as a tool for personal development and self-improvement. Bibliotherapy allows the use of literature to create a new kind of communication and sense of the world and painless acceptance of difficulties and changes. The use of literature can help the processes related to overcoming the emotional and mental imbalance caused by atypical situations in which anyone can find themselves.

There are conditions that a person is not prepared to deal with, sometimes it can be difficult to fully comprehend what is happening in our mind and body, especially if we do not have previous experience which to compare it with. Bibliotherapy aims to bridge this gap by using literature to help by providing information, support and guidance through reading books.

There are two main opinions among scientists regarding the application of bibliotherapy. According to one of them, only people with medical education can apply bibliotherapy - Clinical Bibliotherapy (meant to deal with significant emotional or behavioral issues). According to the other one, bibliotherapy can be practiced by parents, teachers and librarians – Developmental Bibliotherapy (meant to help children grow and develop).

The report aims to examine the possibilities for applying bibliotherapy in the learning environment, because, according to the authors, teachers can successfully use the power of books to help pupils deal with behavioral, emotional, and social issues through practice such as bibliotherapy. The report presents the results of a survey conducted among teachers of 5th to 8th grades from schools located in Sofia. Interviews were conducted, the main task of which is to study the attitude of Bulgarian teachers to the use of elements of bibliotherapy in classrooms. According to the results obtained, many teachers participated in the study of using literary works in their practice with the clear goal of influencing the emotional state of their pupils. The study brings out many future topics for discussion and opportunities for creating good practices in Bulgarian educational institutions.

Keywords:

Bibliotherapy, power of books, classroom, teachers, survey.