Bibliotherapy with children
“Children do live in fantasy and reality; they move back and forth very easily
in a way we no longer remember how to do.”- Maurice Sendak
Children’s natural and instinctive means of expression is through play and imagination. Instead of talking directly about themselves and their difficulties, the child can express their feelings through different kinds of creative symbolic games and imaginary role-playing.
In Bibliotherapy, we try to listen to the underlying meaning of the story and narrative that is presented by the child during the sessions.
Bibliotherapy with children
Children Individual Sessions
The length of sessions is 40-50 minutes per session (depending on the child’s age)
Individual sessions are suitable for children between the ages of 2-12 years, who are experiencing everyday challenges or complex issues such as anxiety, emotional distress, and developmental or social difficulties.
Individual sessions give the child undivided attention; they direct and control each session by choosing the themes and activities. This may lead to a sense of omnipotence, which is rarely experienced in other situations in a child’s life.
Individual Sessions
40-50 min
Face-to-face Only
Children Group Therapy Sessions
The length of sessions is 40-50 minutes per session (depending on the child’s age)
Group therapy is suitable for children between the ages of 2-12 years.
These sessions focus on group dynamics. They may help develop social skills, reduce social anxiety and foster a sense of shared experience when facing challenges. This, in turn, may increase empathy and reduce a sense of isolation.
Group Therapy
40-50 min
Face-to-face Only
Dyadic Treatment
The length of sessions is 40-50 minutes per session (depending on the child’s age)
Dyadic sessions are suitable for children and their parents/caregivers that wish to address challenges in the child-parent/caregiver bonds. These sessions see the relationship between all participants as the main focus and aim to explore the dynamics and unique relationship between each parent/caregiver to their child.
Unlike traditional counselling sessions, each meeting focuses on one dimension of the relationship, and it shifts every week between different caregivers.
The sequence varies according to the family’s needs and structure, but the basic dyadic model includes:
week 1 - Child-parent/caregiver play-therapy session*
week 2 - Child-other parent/caregiver play-therapy session*
week 3 - Parents/caregiver counselling session
*face-to-face only
Dyadic Treatment
40-50 min
Face-to-face/Online