Bibliotherapy opportunities for staff and students
Our Bibliotherapy initiative continues once again this academic year, and we are urging staff to familiarise themselves with the offer so that they can signpost students to the range of activities available. Many of the sessions are also open for staff to attend and benefit from.
Bibliotherapy - using reading and writing to manage wellbeing and to support self-development - is proven to be an effective way to support mental health and emotional difficulties.
Our Counselling team, together with Library colleagues, have put together a collection of therapeutic books which students, and staff, can access both in our two libraries and using the digital library.
They also run both online and in-person group events throughout the year focusing on a particular book or subject. There are a series of reading and writing for wellbeing events already planned for semester one during October, November and December 2025.
Students can sign up from the Student Advice and Wellbeing webpage
Staff can sign up from the Staff Events webpage
Upcoming events
Thursday 2 October, 5.30pm to 7.30pm, Student Life Building
Reading for Wellbeing – for students
A Self-Acceptance workshop facilitated by Claire Kendrick (LJMU Counsellor). Claire presents ‘The Bridge’ by Donna Lancaster. A nine-part book to help you become self-accepting and your authentic self. This workshop will have a self-reflective booklet, and a refreshment break halfway through.
Wednesday 15 October, 2.15pm to 3.15 pm, Student Life Building
Writing for Wellbeing – for staff
Seasonal Changes – A celebration of Menopause Awareness Month. Putting yourself on the page: A safe space for personal writing in response to creative prompts. Facilitated by Anne-Marie Smith (LJMU School of Education).
Wednesday 29 October, 2pm to 4pm, Mount Pleasant Campus Library (Bibliotherapy Section Lower Ground floor)
Reading and Writing for Wellbeing – for students and staff
Prescribe a book! Come and learn about Bibliotherapy and the benefits of reading and writing for wellbeing. An informal drop in with Debbie Burns (LJMU Counsellor) and Anne-Marie Smith (School of Education). There will be an opportunity for a personalised book prescription.
Wednesday 12 November, 2pm to 3pm, online
Online Writing for Wellbeing – for students and staff
Who am I? – Playing with metaphors to explore identity. Putting yourself on the page: a safe space for personal writing in response to creative prompts. Facilitated by Anne-Marie Smith (LJMU School of Education).
Tuesday 18 November, 2pm to 3pm, Student Life Building
Reading for Wellbeing – for students and staff
Dr Steve Peters ‘A path through the jungle’ facilitated by Lucia Doyle and Alison Moss (LJMU Mental Health Advisors). With a focus on the topic of resilience, we will be discussing the self-help programme laid out in this book. We will be discussing the practical tools which aims to improve a person's ability to manage stress, improve relationships and enhance self-confidence.
Wednesday 26 November, 2pm to 3pm, online
Online Reading for Wellbeing – for students and staff
Joe Wells (Author) presents their book ‘Wired Differently – 30 Neurodivergent people you should know’. A presentation that explores Neurodiversity and what it is like to be Neurodivergent. Introduced by Debbie Burns (LJMU Counsellor).
Wednesday 4 December, 1pm to 2pm, Student Life Building
Reading for Wellbeing – for students and staff
A workshop looking at gambling facilitated by James Forshaw, Team Leader of the Money and Advice Team and James Callaway (Engagement Lead Beacon Counselling). Find out about the books we have on Gambling and Addiction and the services available at LJMU and Beacon Counselling.
Wednesday 10 December, 1pm to 2pm, Student Life Building
Writing for Wellbeing – for students and staff
Wintering – withdrawal for renewal and transformation. Putting yourself on the page: A safe space for personal writing in response to creative prompts. Facilitated by Anne-Marie Smith (LJMU School of Education).
