Healing Through Reading in Bibliotherapy for Children and Young Adults

Yogyakarta, September 27, 2025 – The Literature for Children and Young Adult (LCYA) annual agenda organized by the Department of English Literature, Sanata Dharma University, once again brought together academics, students, and the public in an engaging scholarly talkshow. This year’s theme, “Healing Through Reading in Bibliotherapy for Children and Young Adults,” explored how literature can serve as a powerful medium for emotional healing and mental well-being among young readers. The talkshow featured Dr. Susanti Agustina, Lecturer at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia and an expert bibliotherapist, as the keynote speaker. Dr. Agustina is the founder of Dzikra Institute and has conducted extensive research on literacy-based healing and Qur’anic bibliotherapy. Her works and training programs have been widely adopted in schools, libraries, and community literacy programs.During the session, Dr. Agustina introduced the concept of bibliotherapy as “the art of connecting people with stories, poems, and books to foster emotional growth, reflection, and insight.” She emphasized the therapeutic stages of bibliotherapy: identification, catharsis, and insight and demonstrated how literature helps children and adolescents recognize their emotions, release inner tension, and develop deeper understanding of themselves.

The talkshow was attended by 50 participants comprising Sanata Dharma students, lecturers, and members of the wider community. Participants actively engaged in interactive activities through Mentimeter sessions, reflecting on questions such as “Which book gave you comfort, strength, or clarity?” and “How might you help young people find books that nurture rather than burden them?” Many attendees expressed that bibliotherapy helped them understand themselves better and provided a unique, heartwarming approach to emotional well-being. The event not only deepened participants’ understanding of bibliotherapy but also highlighted the vital role of literature in nurturing mental health and building healthy relationships. Participants reported that the session inspired them to integrate reading as part of preventive mental health practices and to view books as companions in the healing journey. Outputs and Expected Impact:

1. Enhanced awareness and understanding of bibliotherapy among students and educators.

2. New insights into the relationship between literature, emotional healing, and mental wellness.

3. Documentation and potential publication of the event outcomes for educational purposes.

The LCYA Talkshow 2025 reaffirmed the timeless power of literature-not merely as entertainment or education, but as a meaningful bridge to empathy, self-awareness, and emotional healing. The LCYA Talkshow 2025 with the theme “Healing Through Reading in Bibliotherapy for Children and Young Adults” is closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 4: Quality Education. Through the practice of bibliotherapy, the event contributes to promoting mental health among children and young adults by using literature as a tool for emotional healing and psychological well-being. Furthermore, it strengthens the role of education in nurturing emotionally and socially resilient individuals. By integrating reflective and empathetic reading practices into learning environments, the LCYA Talkshow supports the creation of a healthier, more inclusive, and empowered society through the transformative power of literacy (Pusat Kajian Biblioterapi Indonesia, PSPI UPI).