Therapeutic diary in bibliotherapy

The authors deal with the writing of therapeutic diaries as part of clinical, developmental and preventive bibliotherapy. They inform about proven biological, psychological and social effects, examples of successful use in medical and pedagogical practice, basic principles, rules and conditions of writing, possible risks as well as the tasks of professionals accompanying individuals to such kind of therapy. They present bibliotherapy within the field of therapeutic pedagogy, which with a focus on helping a person in somatic, mental and social functions, in the improvement of quality of life and integration of the individual into society, has an essential role and importance. They describe their own experience with the application of therapeutic diaries as a tool for personal and professional growth of the university students preparing to work in the helping profession of therapeutic pedagogue during a period of predominantly on-line distance learning application for society-wide anti-epidemiological regulations. The collected and retrospectively analyzed feedback from the students showed that therapeutic diaries are also an effective preventive method for coping in difficult life situations when the possibility of physical verbal sharing of experiences with another person is limited, difficult, unavailable or may not be appropriate. The article points out the importance of promotion of therapeutic diaries for pedagogical and health professionals as a tool for processing emotionally stressful situations and experiences not only in children and adults with a focus on supporting their healthy development and life but also as a potential tool of one’s psychohygiene in connection with the performance of their profession.