Bibliotherapy: Incorporating Literature Into Therapy with Teens & Tweens

Psychotherapy & Books

Literature in therapy is an excellent way to introduce topics, explore problem solving options, and develop empathy for others’ struggles. When working with teens, tweens, and children, one long-term goal is typically to develop macro- and micro- level insight. Characters in well written books can reveal that you’re not alone in facing anxiety, dealing with family conflict, separation, or the grief of saying goodbye. Books are one of our favorite ways to work through issues that present in child and teen counseling. If more adults were amenable to having stories read to them, Joyful Journeys Counseling clinicians would absolutely work in children’s storybooks during sessions.

Five Favorite Books For Teen & Tween Related Topics

In C.S. Lewis’ most famous tale (wait, is there more than one?), he dedicates the book to his granddaughter, Lucy. He recognizes that books take longer to grow than girls and briefly laments she will have outgrown the tale by the time it is completed. His parting note however is how one day she will again be old enough to enjoy stories of this nature. So it may be with teens and tweens. Sure, a book might seem too childish for your teen, but give some a try. You never know what can speak to them. That is the gift of great literature.

Life Transition/Separation

• The Kissing Hand, by Audrey Penn
• Rylie Has Two Homes, by
• The Dog That Nino Didn’t Have, by
• The Invisible String, by Patrice Karst

Phobias and Anxiety

• The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes, by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein
• But What If, by Sue Graves
• Hey Awesome, by Karen Young
• The Bear Who Lost His Sleep, by Jessica Lamb-Shapiro

Social Connection

• Go Dog Go, by Seuss
• City Mouse Country Mouse, by
• I Walk with Vanessa, by Karascoet
• Sometimes it’s Nice to be Alone, by Amy Hest

Identity & Self-Esteem

• You Are Special, by Max Lucado
• The Oak Inside the Acorn, by Max Lucado
• I Like Me, by Nancy Carlson
• Giraffes Can’t Dance, by Giles Andreae

Best Practice for Implementing Literature Into Conversations with Children and Teens

Parents and children are designed to connect. This happens through spending time together and frequently through conversations. Shared experiences and conversation help bring connection between experience, language, and fully processing emotions. When we refuse to converse with our children about their experiences (shared or otherwise), we force children to process emotions on their own. This is not ideal. In fact, frequently this distance can create some emotional handicapping for children and teens who may develop an emotional growth stunt. Emotions must be processed and for children and teens in particular (adults too, but this population is not the focus for this post), that must be done inside a safe and caring relationship. Preferably, that is with a parent. There are times when a professional like child or family therapist can be the preferred processing partner.

How to Use Books to Support Stages

Many experts agree that book read alouds between parent and child do wonders for the developing brain of children. Preferably, bedtime or after dinner storytime is a given in your home. Use this time, or commit to yourself to begin storytime as an interal part of family time, and read through one of the books on the above list. Find your own lists or use the material you already have at hand. Take some time after storytime to be curious about what your child noticed. It’s best not to force discussions or conclusions. There may be an occassion, during day-to-day outings and conversation, when a topic naturally comes up. It’s okay to remind your child about a discovery from one of the books you have read together. If there isn’t a book with the theme or content you are discussing, pop culture and movies might be another source of insight. This is particularly true for teens.

Books are Good Springboards for Enriched Conversations for Parents, Children, and Teens

Well sourced books are wonderful supplemental tools to support parent-child connection through deep or difficult circumstances. They offer targeted springboards for rich conversations meaningful through various stages of growth and development. Plus, research shows how powerfully enriching spoken literature is for the developing brain. Use this resource in your family and ask questions to find out if your family or child/teen therapist is utilizing their benefits within counseling sessions. Share your thoughts about what books your family has enjoyed!

Get Support

Does your family want support with parenting, child, or teen therapy? Our clinicians are skilled at walking alongside families using evidence-based treatment. Faith-integration is available for parents who want to incorporate components of Judeo Christian values into therapeutic work. Schedule your consult today or get started with JJC’s most requested free resource. Find it by using the button below or by visiting joyfuljourneyscounseling.com/parenting.

Download Apples of Gold, a family communication plan for free (below).

About the Author

Jennifer is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Texas and founder of Joyful Journeys Counseling. In everyday life, she is the wife of over fifteen years to Michael. Together they are raising three children at home with the younger two being homeschooled. They also have an adult son. Jennifer has worked with hundreds of children and parents since graduate school when she provided parenting courses at a community center before working as a school counselor. Her specialization is parent education and providing evidence-based treatment for children and teens with anxiety. Currently serving as the Austin Chapter President with Christian Counselors of Texas, Jennifer organizes and hosts eight to ten continuing education events annually. She has been published in several online magazines including Scary Mommy, Austin Fit Magazine, Choosing Therapy, and Care.com.