"The Five Love Languages": Client Recommended Books Series pt. 1
Prescribing books as a form of healing is nothing new. And “bibliotherapy” has a long history:
King Ramses II of Egypt had a special chamber for his books, and above the door were the words “House of Healing for the Soul.” Sigmund Freud incorporated literature into his psychoanalysis at the end of the nineteenth century. Medical professionals and psychologists have been prescribing books for their patients to read for a hundred years or more. But it was more as an adjunct to other treatment rather than a treatment in itself.
The term “bibliotherapy” — the art of using books to aid people in solving the issues they are facing— was first used in 1916 by Samuel Crothers, and in the US and a little later in the UK, training programs in bibliotherapy were established, usually connected with medical schools and hospitals.
People come to therapy when they feel stuck. And many of my clients have attempted to change on their own with the aid of books. Through the years, clients have not only recommended to me some great books that have helped them heal, but they speak in the language of the books that showcases real insight and significant changes in place in their life prior to me seeing them.
Many of the couples I treat often have a partner who has read “The Five Love Languages” and can speak specifically about what their needs are as a partner and what needs their partner has in opposition.
What are the Five Love Languages according to author Gary Chapman?
Words of Affirmation
Quality Time
Receiving Gifts
Acts of Service
Physical Touch
What’s your love language? Take this quiz and find out!
I’ll be continuing with this series of client book recommendations with another posting where we explore an author with Toltec spiritual roots next Wednesday.
Interested in my own books recommendations. Check out my previous postings related to these subject areas: