Bibliotherapy

What comes to mind when you hear about this form of therapy? The origins of the word bibliotherapy suggest that a person sits on a chair or couch and reads a book.
 
Biblio
 
Biblio is a word-forming element meaning book, from Greek biblion (paper, scroll) and from byblos (Egyptian papyrus). A common suggestion is that biblio is also related to Byblos, the ancient Phoencian port from which Egyptian papyrus was shipped to Greece.
 
Therapy
 
The sources of the word therapy are unknown; however, some suggest that PIE dher (to carry, support, hold) is one source for Greek therapon (care, service, attendant, servant) and Greek therapeuein (to attend, do service, take care of; later, to cure, treat medically). The word therapy came to English in 1846. The word therapist is from 1880. The word therapist as practitioner of psychotherapy is from the 1930s.
 
PIE dher is also the root of Greek thronos (seat, chair, throne).
 
Seems like the word therapist and his or her supportive chair or couch share the same origins in PIE dher.
 
Bibliotherapy
 
The word bibliotherapy first appeared in 1916. However, the practice of giving reading materials to those in mental distress is from the 18th century. In the early 20th century, librarians on staff in some US hospitals were considered therapists.
 
Today, Merriam-Webster defines bibliotherapy as “the use of reading materials for help in solving personal problems or for psychiatric therapy.” If we an have art therapy or music therapy, why not book therapy?
  
Image: The New York Times

Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
Bolger, K. (January/February 2022). Textual healing. The Walrus, 19(1), 77 – 81.
Gottlieb, L. (26 July 2019). Your therapist’s prescription? The right book. The New York Times.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/26/books/review/can-a-book-cure-mental-illness.html
Hillman, J. & Moore, T. (1989). A blue fire: Selected writings. New York: Harper & Row, 73.