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.
Please feel free to show your love and support for this podcast by making a small donation via Buy Me A Coffee.
If you're looking for more creative writing inspiration, and useful resources for your literary life, check out the Reed, Write, & Create website at ReedWriteandCreate.com.
Sign up for the Reed, Write, & Create monthly newsletter.
Join the Tell Me More email list to get your invite to join the Reed, Write, & Create Sanctuary at the end of May, 2025.
Follow Lori on YouTube at LiteraryLori
Popular Podcasts
Fudd Around And Find Out
UConn basketball star Azzi Fudd brings her championship swag to iHeart Women’s Sports with Fudd Around and Find Out, a weekly podcast that takes fans along for the ride as Azzi spends her final year of college trying to reclaim the National Championship and prepare to be a first round WNBA draft pick. Ever wonder what it’s like to be a world-class athlete in the public spotlight while still managing schoolwork, friendships and family time? It’s time to Fudd Around and Find Out!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.