Bibliotherapy Conference
On the first weekend of October, we invited the Csányi Foundation’s developers, staff, mentors, and university students majoring in psychology and pedagogy to explore a previously unknown territory. Relatives of the participants also enthusiastically joined. Thirty-two people confirmed their attendance. On this professional day, the primary role was played by the speakers, who supported the Kaposvár organizers in bringing the program to life. Our thanks go to Dr. Péter Gombos, associate professor at MATE University; László Rajnai, English teacher and developmental bibliotherapist; Ildikó Árok-Vörös, Gabriella Szerényiné Tar, Brigitta Nagy, developmental bibliotherapists; and Péter Kántor, Hungarian teacher and developmental bibliotherapist.
Below are reflections from three of our participants.
“The professional day in Kaposvár focused on bibliotherapy and its application in various situations and settings. In the morning, participants received a brief introduction to the theory of bibliotherapy, followed by its practical implementation. For this, the group split into two: one could attend a bibliotherapy session for adults, suitable even for a Parents’ Academy workshop, or a lecture on the application of bibliotherapy in foreign language teaching. We also got a glimpse of how bibliotherapy can be applied in sessions for visually impaired individuals, and how it can serve as a bridge between sighted and visually impaired participants.
Later, the group split again, this time to explore the ‘Romkocsma Project’ and the application of bibliotherapy methods in literature classes. The professional day was held in a wonderful atmosphere. Both the lectures and the practical demonstrations were exciting and informative, and also provided a little relaxation. As a future teacher, I found the sessions on education especially interesting and useful, offering numerous ideas and inspiration on how to bring texts closer to students and make lessons more engaging and experiential.”
Patyi Izabella, university student, Sz3
“I would like to thank you for allowing me to participate in this professional meeting! It was a very well-organized event from which I returned enriched with experience, theoretical knowledge to reflect on, and a creative set of ideas full of new, interesting elements. The self-awareness therapy I encountered at the Parents’ Academy could now be approached from another perspective. As a teacher, I focused on how bibliotherapy can be integrated into everyday literature teaching. The theoretical approaches were highly informative. Dr. Péter Gombos’s lecture on reading and the potential for self-development and support sparked my desire to explore the topic more deeply. I even noted the recommended literature and texts he suggested.
I would gladly attend Ildikó Árok-Vörös’s session anytime! It was an experience of togetherness, reflection, connection, and relaxation at once. We also gained insight into Gabi Szerényiné Tar’s fascinating therapeutic work with visually impaired individuals. From Péter Kántor, I gained an exciting array of ideas. He demonstrated just a small portion of his excellent and sensitive pedagogical work. The constructive and inclusive approach to teaching literature practically opens the door for applying bibliotherapeutic ideas in lessons. For me, it was an important realization that we use bibliotherapy methods in our teaching, even if unconsciously. He provided several examples, and we even had the opportunity to try out such exercises. It was wonderful to talk with such professionals and broaden our professional horizons by exchanging experiences.
I would be delighted and find it very useful if this internal professional initiative could continue, possibly with the involvement of external partners. And finally, not least, alongside intellectual nourishment, physical nourishment is also important. The hospitality was excellent; thanks to all the delicious food and the enthusiastic work of the little mentors and parents!”
Andrea Nagy, parent
“I am immensely grateful for the experiences and wonderful moments I lived through at the professional day. My respect and thanks go to the Kaposvár professional colleagues who conveyed this knowledge to us. As a mentor from Szeged, during the professional day I frequently thought of the supported members of our community house, the parents, and relatives for whom bibliotherapy-based self-awareness and self-development, and timely support, would certainly be beneficial.
‘…because if I don’t reach you often enough, something accumulates in their muscles, making it increasingly difficult to reach you…’ I would gladly welcome bibliotherapy sessions and trainings, led by external professionals, that could be integrated into our everyday lives, potentially preventing or alleviating these “accumulations.”
Edit Samu mentor, Szeged