Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah

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 [email protected]
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.
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Get 10% off with code PODCAST on the following:
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Personalised Book Prescriptions
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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 and
Email us at [email protected]
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

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 [email protected]
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

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 [email protected]
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:
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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 [email protected]
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