Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah
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.io
In 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 Mind
Join our member-only subscription here to listen to all episodes for free. To get access to corresponding transcripts: https://bibliotherapywithbijal.substack.com/subscribe
I 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/subscribe
And 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
Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah
Exploring Poetry, Identity, and Healing with Theresa Lola
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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
Email us at bijal@booktherapy.io
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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If you'd like access to the transcripts, do subscribe to my substack: Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah - Transcripts on Substack.
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