Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah

Bijal Shah
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Books
  • Updated Biweekly

Hi, my name is Bijal Shah and I am a bibliotherapist and founder of Book Therapy (a bibliotherapy and literary curation practice: www.booktherapy.io). I'm also the author of the book, Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading (https://bit.ly/bibliotherapybook).  I curate book prescriptions and provide online training in bibliotherapy, more detail of this can be found on my website, www.booktherapy.ioIn this podcast, I share my knowledge and research on bibliotherapy, including the latest developments, science and book recommendations. Join me every week where we take a deep dive into Bibliotherapy. We release two episodes a week:1.  Voicenotes fom Me, Your Resident Bibliotherapist.2.  Ask the Bibliotherapist: Book Recommendations for What's On Your MindJoin our member-only  subscription here to listen to all episodes for free. To get access to corresponding transcripts: https://bibliotherapywithbijal.substack.com/subscribeI hope you enjoy the show and if you'd like a bibliotherapist in your pocket then you might find my book, Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading (https://bit.ly/bibliotherapybook) a helpful companion.Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and get new episodes as they are released. If you'd like the transcripts to all episodes,  you can join our member-only subscription on Substack: https://bibliotherapywithbijal.substack.com/subscribeAnd as always, I love hearing from listeners so if you'd like to get in touch, share any book recommendations or thoughts on bibliotherapy, you can do so at bijal@booktherapy.io

  1. May 14

    Eliza Fricker on Neurodiversity and the Power of Visual Storytelling

    In this bibliotherapy podcast interview, I interview author-illustrator Eliza Fricker (Missing the Mark) on neurodiversity, mental health, and how her daughter’s school breakdown led her to begin illustrating their experiences to process feelings of overwhelm, rage, disappointment, guilt, and isolation, later sharing the work online under a pseudonym and publishing the Sunday Times bestselling book Can’t Not Won’t.  She explains how giving children labels can imply choice and describes the judgment and shame parents face, while advocating for more education, connection, and meaningful, flexible, interest-based learning rather than a target-driven curriculum and SEND categorisation. Fricker shares her own neurodiversity exploration through her latest memoir Could Try Harder (out on Thursday 14 May 2027, and available at all good bookstores).  She references polyvagal theory and masking in school meetings, outlines PDA (also called pervasive drive for autonomy) strategies, and recommends Letters to My Weird Sisters by Joanne Limburg and How to Be Autistic by Charlotte Amelia Poe. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:19 From Textiles to Illustration 04:43 Can't Not Won't Explained 08:03 Self Discovery and Memoir 11:09 Could Try Harder Preview 12:51 Why School Needs Change 14:41 Rethinking SEND Support 17:06 Meaningful Learning  19:48 Power of Visual Narratives 22:21 Illustration Process and Space 24:08 Understanding PDA Strategies 27:33 Self Care for Parents 28:17 Books That Changed Eliza 31:34 Book Launch Plans and Closing You can explore all of Eliza's other books on autism and PDA here. Email us at bijal@booktherapy.io Support the show Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and get new episodes as they are released. If you'd like access to the transcripts, do subscribe to my substack: Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah - Transcripts on Substack. If you'd like a bibliotherapist in your pocket then you might find my book, Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading a helpful companion. ****************************************************************************************** Get 10% off with code PODCAST on the following: Online Bibliotherapy Courses Personalised Book Prescriptions Bibliotherapy Sessions You can also follow us on your preferred platform using the links below: Instagram Facebook

    34 min

  2. May 8

    On the Psychology of Money with Sarah Bennett-Nash

    Today I’m exploring something that feels especially important right now: financial literacy, and more specifically, our relationship with money, value and financial wellbeing. I’m joined by author and financial expert Sarah Bennett-Nash, @@sarahbennettnash whose debut book More Money, More Life opens up a much-needed conversation about the beliefs, stories and inherited patterns that shape the way we think about money. After nearly two decades in financial services and global capital markets, including her time at Goldman Sachs, Sarah began asking why even smart, successful people can feel anxious, avoidant or stuck around money. In our conversation, we discuss: - Sarah’s journey from corporate finance to authorship - Why money is never just about numbers - The family stories and beliefs we inherit around wealth - Her AAA framework: Awareness, Alignment and Action - Small, practical steps towards greater financial confidence and freedom I really enjoyed our conversation which focused on understanding the deeper emotional, psychological and practical layers of money, in order to make choices that feel more conscious, aligned and empowering around money. You can also read the full conversation on Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/bibliotherapywithbijal/p/one-womans-journey-to-rethinking And you can get a copy of Sarah's book wherever you get books or here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/More-Money-More-Life-by-Sarah-Bennett-Nash/9781836810315 Disclaimer: This post is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consider your own circumstances and seek advice from a qualified financial adviser where appropriate. Email us at bijal@booktherapy.io Support the show Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and get new episodes as they are released. If you'd like access to the transcripts, do subscribe to my substack: Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah - Transcripts on Substack. If you'd like a bibliotherapist in your pocket then you might find my book, Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading a helpful companion. ****************************************************************************************** Get 10% off with code PODCAST on the following: Online Bibliotherapy Courses Personalised Book Prescriptions Bibliotherapy Sessions You can also follow us on your preferred platform using the links below: Instagram Facebook

    30 min

  3. Mar 23

    In conversation with Catherine Carr on Siblings and How They Shape Us

    Hi everyone, excited to share my conversation with award-winning audio documentary maker and author Catherine Carr about how sibling relationships shape identity, drawing on Carr’s podcast Relatively and her new book 'Who’s the Favourite?'  Carr explains that her fascination wtih sibling dynamics began during the 2020 pandemic when people began to reach out to and reconnect with their siblings, highlighting that sibling bonds can be some of the longest relationships in life.  We discuss birth order, family “roles,” and how siblings influence development, including Carr’s experience as a middle child whose parents divorced and split the children between England and the Netherlands.  Carr also describes shifting sibling relationships from vertical to horizontal (equal adult friendship), the complications of contested memories and shared narratives, and how aging parents can be a flashpoint.  The conversation covers sibling estrangement and the stigma of it as well as glass siblings and Carr's favourite books! Listen to the episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1452949/episodes/18891567 or wherever you get your podcasts, by simply searching for 'Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah'. I hope you enjoy it! And if you'd like to get a copy of her book 'Who's Your Favourite?" you can do so anywhere you get books or here: https://www.waterstones.com/books/reviews/isbn/9781836431282#review-455525 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:35 Why the Focus on Sibling Relationships and Catherine's New Book 04:26 Catherine's Childhood and Own Sibling Relationships 06:13 Siblings in Literature 08:39 Family Roles and Labels 15:19 Birth Order and Influence 18:58 Shared Stories and Memory 23:43 Estrangement and Stigma 28:59 Glass Siblings Explained 35:21 Catherine's Favourite Book 37:29 Final Thoughts and Thanks #bibliotherapy #bibliotherapypodcast #books #whosthefavourite? #catherinecar #newbook #podcasts #bookistpodcasts #newreleases #siblingpodcast #relatively Email us at bijal@booktherapy.io Support the show Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and get new episodes as they are released. If you'd like access to the transcripts, do subscribe to my substack: Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah - Transcripts on Substack. If you'd like a bibliotherapist in your pocket then you might find my book, Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading a helpful companion. ****************************************************************************************** Get 10% off with code PODCAST on the following: Online Bibliotherapy Courses Personalised Book Prescriptions Bibliotherapy Sessions You can also follow us on your preferred platform using the links below: Instagram Facebook

    40 min

  4. Mar 13

    On Poetry, Metaphor and Chronic Pain: Language as a Tool for Healing with Sarah Fletcher

    In this episode of Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah, I interview Sarah Fletcher, a British-American poet who grew up in the UK and later pursued poetry and a PhD researching physical pain and poetry. We discuss the power of poetry to heal through rhythm, sound, precision, memorability, and how physical pain is difficult to capture in language, often relying on metaphor, including militaristic framing and the limits of the 1–10 pain scale.  We discuss how chronic pain is isolating, fragmentary, and hard to capture in narrative. Sarah also talks about some of the poetry and pain workshops she runs that build shared language and connection to capture the physical experience of pain in poetry, including reframing pain as an unwelcome guest at a house party. She notes a Canadian hospital’s “pain menus,” how expressive writing can improve healing, and the need to challenge mind–body dualism.  Sarah also cites T.S. Eliot’s “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” as life-changing and we also announce an upcoming shared podcast, “The Bibliotherapy Room"  that we will be recording! Watch this space for more :) 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 01:49 Sarah’s Poetry Origins 04:55 Sound, Rhythm and Healing 06:58 Why Pain Resists Language 09:12 Metaphors We Use for Pain 11:51 Chronic Pain and Isolation 15:41 Living Alongside Pain 17:58 Creative Writing for Pain 22:20 Empathy, Doubt and Doctors 26:07 Workshops, Laughter and Relief 27:46 Pain Menus and Social Prescribing 31:51 The Mind-Body Connection and Creativity 33:51 Life-Changing Poem Pick 36:44 New Podcast Announcement 38:29 Closing Thanks and Farewell Email us at bijal@booktherapy.io Support the show Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and get new episodes as they are released. If you'd like access to the transcripts, do subscribe to my substack: Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah - Transcripts on Substack. If you'd like a bibliotherapist in your pocket then you might find my book, Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading a helpful companion. ****************************************************************************************** Get 10% off with code PODCAST on the following: Online Bibliotherapy Courses Personalised Book Prescriptions Bibliotherapy Sessions You can also follow us on your preferred platform using the links below: Instagram Facebook

    31 min

  5. Feb 7

    Exploring Poetry, Identity, and Healing with Theresa Lola

    In this episode, Theresa Lola, an accomplished poet and published author, shares her journey from growing up in Nigeria to becoming a published poet in the UK. She discusses her fascination with poetry, especially grief poetry, and how it helps in processing complex emotions. Theresa delves into her creative process, the power of language, and how her cultural heritage shapes her work. The conversation also covers her initiatives like creative writing workshops for mental health and her new stationary brand ‘Your Envoi,’ designed to foster self-reflection and connection. Engaging and insightful, this episode highlights the therapeutic potential of poetry and creative expression. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:42 Theresa’s Early Life and Writing Journey 01:16 The Power of Poetry in Expressing Emotions 02:05 Transition to the UK and Early Career 05:58 Balancing Two Cultural Identities 08:32 The Influence of Language on Expression 13:13 Exploring the Significance of Names 19:39 Grief and Poetry 23:42 Exploring the Physicality and Rhythm of Grief 25:37 The Therapeutic Intentions Behind Poetry 26:20 The Process of Self-Reflection in Writing 26:50 Using Poetry to Capture Emotions and Experiences 28:16 Cultural Significance and Metaphors in Poetry 30:43 Creative Writing and Mental Health Initiatives 35:09 Advice for Emerging Poets 39:14 Launching a Wellness Stationery Brand 42:58 The Impact of Literature on Life 46:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts You can follow Theresa’s work as well as get copies of her two books (poetry collections) on her website or at the following links: W: https://www.theresalola.com/ B: https://www.theresalola.com/books Theresa’s Stationery Brand, Your Envoi: https://weareyourenvoi.com/ Social Media Channels: IG: https://www.instagram.com/theresa_lola Threads: @theresa_lola X: https://x.com/theresa_lola I hope you enjoyed this episode of Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah and if you’d like to find out more about Bibliotherapy you might find my book, Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading Email us at bijal@booktherapy.io Support the show Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and get new episodes as they are released. If you'd like access to the transcripts, do subscribe to my substack: Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah - Transcripts on Substack. If you'd like a bibliotherapist in your pocket then you might find my book, Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading a helpful companion. ****************************************************************************************** Get 10% off with code PODCAST on the following: Online Bibliotherapy Courses Personalised Book Prescriptions Bibliotherapy Sessions You can also follow us on your preferred platform using the links below: Instagram Facebook

    39 min

  6. Jan 15

    Empowering Neurodivergent Kids: A Chat with Talya Bruck on Savanna Therapeutic Stories

    In this episode of Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah, we sit down with Talya Bruck, a late-diagnosed neurodivergent drama therapist and the founder of Savanna Therapeutic Stories. Talia shares the inspiration behind her powerful therapeutic story series aimed at helping neurodivergent children navigate their experiences.  We dive into various topics discussed in her books, such as ADHD, autism, and parental mental illness, and explore the impact these stories have had on young readers. Talia also talks about the creative process behind her work, her collaborative efforts with other professionals, and the future projects that are in the pipeline.  Join us to learn more about how these therapeutic stories are making a meaningful difference in the lives of neurodivergent children and their families. Don't forget to check the links in the show notes for more information and to access Savanna Therapeutic Stories. 00:00 Introduction 02:26 How Savanna Therapeutic Stories Began 05:33 What Makes a Therapeutic Story 09:25 The Book Collection 13:30 Understanding Neurodiversity 17:35 Impact on Children and Families 24:47 The Writing Process 30:20 Drama Therapy Work 34:34 The Role of Books in Supporting Neurodiverse Children 37:40 Future Plans You can follow Talya's work as well as get copies of the Savannah Therapeutic Stories on her website or amazon at the following links: W: https://www.savanna-therapeutic.org.uk/  A: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Talya-Bruck/author/B0B89XGSCT Social Media Channels: IG: @savannatstories Threads: @savannatstories FB: https://www.facebook.com/talya.bruck LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/talya-bruck-b1977a49/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@savannatherapeuticstorie Email us at bijal@booktherapy.io Support the show Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and get new episodes as they are released. If you'd like access to the transcripts, do subscribe to my substack: Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah - Transcripts on Substack. If you'd like a bibliotherapist in your pocket then you might find my book, Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading a helpful companion. ****************************************************************************************** Get 10% off with code PODCAST on the following: Online Bibliotherapy Courses Personalised Book Prescriptions Bibliotherapy Sessions You can also follow us on your preferred platform using the links below: Instagram Facebook

    38 min

  7. Jan 12

    The Healing Power of the Arts: A Conversation with Daisy Fancourt

    In this episode, Daisy Fancourt joins me to discuss her new book, 'Art Cure,' that explores the profound impact of arts on mental and physical health.  The conversation touches on various aspects of how engagement in creative activities, like music, literature, and even carnival arts, can serve as significant health pillars, much like diet, exercise, and sleep.  Daisy, a professor of psychobiology and epidemiology at University College London, shares insights from her journey from being a professional pianist to a scientist studying the arts' effects on health.  She delves into scientific findings supporting the arts' ability to boost immune function, reduce inflammation, and even slow biological aging. The discussion covers the potential of social prescriptions for the arts, the importance of maintaining regular engagement, and the balance between passive and active participation in creative activities.  Listeners will gain practical takeaways and a deeper understanding of how the arts can contribute to overall well-being. 00:00 Introduction and Book Launch 01:31 Daisy's Background and Journey 03:12 The Science Behind Art and Health 04:50 From Research to Popular Book 05:56 Practical Applications and Daily Engagement 12:02 Biological Impacts of Art 23:52 Social Prescribing and Global Impact 25:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   If you’d like to get in touch with Daisy or find out about her live events, you can do so here at: https://sbbresearch.org/projects/artcure/  If you enjoyed this conversation do subscribe to my Substack (https://bibliotherapywithbijal.substack.com/) where you can find similar episodes as well as copy of transcripts to all episodes if you are short of time.  Email us at bijal@booktherapy.io Support the show Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and get new episodes as they are released. If you'd like access to the transcripts, do subscribe to my substack: Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah - Transcripts on Substack. If you'd like a bibliotherapist in your pocket then you might find my book, Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading a helpful companion. ****************************************************************************************** Get 10% off with code PODCAST on the following: Online Bibliotherapy Courses Personalised Book Prescriptions Bibliotherapy Sessions You can also follow us on your preferred platform using the links below: Instagram Facebook

    33 min

  8. 11/24/2025 ·  Bonus

    BONUS EPISODE - BOOK EXCERPT

    Excited to share this reading - the foreward from my book, Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading. I hope you enjoy it, and if you'd like to get a copy of the book, you can do so at all good bookstores or at this link with details of translated versions too: https://linktr.ee/booktherapy_by_bijal And do let me know your thoughts/reflections - I always write back!! Email us at bijal@booktherapy.io Support the show Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and get new episodes as they are released. If you'd like access to the transcripts, do subscribe to my substack: Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah - Transcripts on Substack. If you'd like a bibliotherapist in your pocket then you might find my book, Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading a helpful companion. ****************************************************************************************** Get 10% off with code PODCAST on the following: Online Bibliotherapy Courses Personalised Book Prescriptions Bibliotherapy Sessions You can also follow us on your preferred platform using the links below: Instagram Facebook

    12 min
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out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Hi, my name is Bijal Shah and I am a bibliotherapist and founder of Book Therapy (a bibliotherapy and literary curation practice: www.booktherapy.io). I'm also the author of the book, Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading (https://bit.ly/bibliotherapybook).  I curate book prescriptions and provide online training in bibliotherapy, more detail of this can be found on my website, www.booktherapy.ioIn this podcast, I share my knowledge and research on bibliotherapy, including the latest developments, science and book recommendations. Join me every week where we take a deep dive into Bibliotherapy. We release two episodes a week:1.  Voicenotes fom Me, Your Resident Bibliotherapist.2.  Ask the Bibliotherapist: Book Recommendations for What's On Your MindJoin our member-only  subscription here to listen to all episodes for free. To get access to corresponding transcripts: https://bibliotherapywithbijal.substack.com/subscribeI hope you enjoy the show and if you'd like a bibliotherapist in your pocket then you might find my book, Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading (https://bit.ly/bibliotherapybook) a helpful companion.Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and get new episodes as they are released. If you'd like the transcripts to all episodes,  you can join our member-only subscription on Substack: https://bibliotherapywithbijal.substack.com/subscribeAnd as always, I love hearing from listeners so if you'd like to get in touch, share any book recommendations or thoughts on bibliotherapy, you can do so at bijal@booktherapy.io

Information

  • Creator
    Bijal Shah
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah
  • Show Website
    Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah