The art of bibliotherapy -
From symbol to story

The Art of Bibliotherapeutic Practice

This second module invites participants into the living practice of bibliotherapeutic work.

After exploring the foundations of psychodynamic bibliotherapy in Part 1 — the meeting point between self and text, story and psyche — this module asks how we can consciously work within that symbolic space. How do we listen to metaphor? How do we move between image and language, between implicit emotional expression and reflective dialogue?

Across seven chapters, participants deepen their understanding of metaphor, projection, narrative identity, mentalization, and reflective processes, while translating psychodynamic and literary theory into therapeutic practice.

Through stories, poems, images, writing exercises, experiential processes, and case studies, participants learn how to use bibliotherapy as an art of listening — to symbol, silence, rhythm, voice, image, and the evolving stories through which human beings come to understand themselves.

This module offers both conceptual depth and practical tools for therapeutic, educational, creative, and group settings.

What You Will Learn:

• Metaphor, symbol, and projection - Understanding how symbolic language opens pathways to emotional expression and meaning.

• Indirect and projective dialogue -  Working with stories, poems, images, and creative exercises as mediators of therapeutic encounter.

• From image to language -  Supporting movement between implicit emotional experience and explicit reflective dialogue.

• Narrative identity and the self -  Exploring voice, perspective, positioning, and the transformation of personal stories.

• Mentalization and reflection -  Using literary and reflective processes to support emotional regulation, empathy, and perspective-taking.

• Bibliotherapeutic practice -  Developing a sensitive, flexible, and clinically grounded way of listening and intervening through text, writing, and symbolic material.

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Course Structure:

7 weekly online sessions

2.5 hours each

35 academic hours total, including 14 hours of guided independent study

Assigned readings and writing exercises

Experiential and practical learning

Including close reading, reflective writing, case studies, demonstrations, and group discussion

Active participation required

Minimum 80% attendance

Final integrative paper

 Connecting theory, personal reflection, and bibliotherapeutic practice

Tuition Fees:

• Early bird registration: €490 ( until 3.9.2026)

• Full Price: €590

Schedule:

Tuesdays, 18.30–21:00 CET

Nov 3.2026 Chapter 1: In a Faraway Land…

Indirect dialogue, projective techniques, and meaningful encounters through stories, images, films, and poems.

Nov 10.2026 Chapter 2: The Emergence of Symbols

Metaphor, symbolic language, emotional meaning, and poetic ways of knowing

Nov 17.2026 Chapter 3: Building Bridges

Externalization, symbolic representation, and the movement from image to language

Nov 24.2026 Chapter 4: Rewriting the Self – Part I

Narrative identity, voice, perspective, positioning, and alternative stories

Dec 1.2026 Chapter 5: Rewriting the Self – Part II

Meaning-making, autobiographical storytelling, narrative coherence, and emotional integration.

Dec 8.2026 Chapter 6: The Power of Reflection

Mentalization, reflective functioning, empathy, and perspective-taking through stories and poetry

Dec 15. 2026 Chapter 7: The Art of Bibliotherapy

Integrating theory and practice, developing a bibliotherapeutic language and style, and closing the process