Defined as: The clinical method of using books and literature as therapy in the treatment of mental and/or psychological disorders like depression, anxiety, coping with grief and PTSD.

Bibliotherapy has long been used, especially in cultures where storytelling is common, and has been proven to be effective in helping people cope with distress of different sorts, and in minimizing the symptoms of trauma.

As the numbers of children suffering from mental and psychological disorders rose in the region, and with the lack of specialized therapists to accommodate this rise in the numbers, it was difficult to rely on long-term methods of treatment such as “prolonged exposure therapy”. Hence, AMAL resolved to adopting bibliotherapy as its main methodology.

With this approach, AMAL provides efficient, accessible resources that would act as a collective solution – in an attempt to reach as many children as possible. Moreover, with storytelling being part of the Arab culture, this method would also be quite relatable.

Amal series has been developed utilizing elements from an evidenced-based modality called Narrative exposure therapy NET, as well as other elements form TF-CBT.

Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) is a cognitive behavioral type of intervention that targets survivors of conflict and organized violence. The approach was initially developed to treat clinical issues noted specifically among refugees who have experienced repeated traumatic events.

The underlying premise of NET remains relevant for individuals who have experienced traumatic events, regardless of whether they are refugees or non-refugees.

The therapy focuses on constructing a coherent life narrative, integrating traumatic memories, and facilitating emotional healing and resilience.

During NET the distressed person is encouraged to tell their life story from birth, focusing on the disturbing events they experienced in chronological order. (Thus, this method is suitable for people who have experienced more than one distressing event or witnessed a continuous impact of hardship)

When used with a therapist or a professional counselor, the child should build a well-detailed, chronologically organized story and it is crucial that the therapist plays an active listening role in the delivery of the story.

The therapist should write what has been told of the story at the end of each session. This is not only important as part of building the whole story, but also for future reference, as some particulars might not be clear at the time of that session, or details would be hidden between the lines.

In the final session, therapist and the afflicted together sign the written story.