A Path I Knew by Heart

Efrat Havusha-Feldman – My Inside Story

Efrat Havusha-Feldman

The school library was just a five-minute walk from my home, a path whose every pace I knew by heart. Sometimes, I made that walk several times a day—each trip carrying books I had just finished reading, and returning with a fresh stack, a new set of secret doors to mysterious worlds.

At the time, I didn’t realize that these doors weren’t just an escape into other realms, but an invitation to explore my own inner world. Whether it was a distant fantasy or a story about a child like me, the tales I read reflected fractals of my own psyche, but also offered a prism of new possibilities.

It wasn’t long before I was writing stories of my own. From a young age, I began to craft narratives, exploring different aspects of existence. Everyday moments transformed into stories, where I could shape the narrative, discover new meanings, and play with new ideas of being.

As I grew, stories, poems, literature, and writing became the nourishing ground of my life. So, when the opportunity to delve into Bibliotherapy arose, it felt like a natural step. It was a perfect integration of the curiosity I had long held for the human psyche and my deep love for poetry, writing, and literature.

In 2013, I received my Master’s degree in Bibliotherapy, and since then, I’ve been an active practitioner, working with children, adolescents, and adults in both private and group settings. My approach is deeply rooted in psychodynamic psychotherapy, using writing techniques and the symbolic power of poetry and literature to help individuals connect more deeply with themselves and the world around them.

Time and again, whether working with adolescents grappling with identity or guiding individuals through trauma, grief, or loss, I’ve found that writing, poetry, and stories have a unique ability to help people feel seen and understood. They also allow individuals to discover their own creativity, which becomes a source of guidance and growth.

In 2014, I joined Ha-Mila – The Israeli Bibliotherapy Center – where I began to develop and facilitate various training programs and workshops. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of spreading the power of bibliotherapy to a growing and vibrant community, sharing knowledge and inspiring others.

In 2024, alongside my partner Eyal, I co-founded The Bibliotherapy Academy, a platform designed to share the knowledge and expertise we’ve cultivated over the years. Our goal is to help individuals around the world integrate psychotherapy and bibliotherapy, empowering them to find authenticity, connection, and personal growth.

BA in Social Sciences (The Open University of Israel)

Professional Screenwriting (The Screenwriting School, Tel Aviv)

MAAT in Bibliotherapy (David Yellin College, Jerusalem)

Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (Israel Psychoanalytic Society, Jerusalem)