For Season Five of the podcast, we’re going behind the book to talk to people whose livelihood and careers depend on the free flowing circulation of books in society.

On episode 50, our guest is Emely Rumble, LCSW. Emely is a distinguished licensed clinical social worker, school social worker, and a bibliotherapist. Committed to making mental health services more accessible, Emely specializes in the transformative practice of bibliotherapy. Emely is also the author of the exciting new book, Bibliotherapy in the Bronx.

During our conversation, Emely explains:

• What is bibliotherapy?
• Why bibliotherapy works for people struggling with mental health issues.
• Who is the African-American ‘Hidden Figure’ of bibliotherapy.
• Why she wants more BIPOC authors to be aware of this powerful modality.
• How her experience as an Afro-Puerto Rican child who spent time in the foster care system influenced her decision to become a bibliotherapist.

I hope listening to Emely’s story and her fascinating explanations about the intersections of racial identity, literature, and mental health, leave you lit.

Buy a copy of Emely’s book, Bibliotherapy in the Bronx at the Reed, Write, & Create Online bookstore. Support Emily and the Podcast at the same time!

Follow Emely on Instagram at Literapy_NYC

If you’re interested in getting credentialed as a bibliotherapist, visit the International Federation for Biblio/Poetry Therapy.

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